Acid attack survivors endure psychological consequences that are often more painful and difficult to overcome than their physical injuries. The long-term mental health treatment involving antidepressants, antipsychotics, or anxiolytics imposes a significant financial burden on survivors and their families.
Legal framework and persistent attacks
Despite the strict enforcement of the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act 2011 under the Pakistan Penal Code, approximately 200 acid attacks occur each year in Pakistan. This persistent incidence suggests that the existing legal framework may require further strengthening.
Recent high-profile case in Quetta
A recent brutal acid attack on an on-duty doctor in Quetta sparked nationwide outrage. Social media platforms were flooded with posts, interviews, and public opinion polls. Many doctors protested, demanding the implementation of adequate safety protocols in their workplaces. Others linked this security lapse to the increasing brain drain of qualified healthcare professionals from Pakistan.
The perpetrator of this heinous crime was killed in a police encounter. However, the survivor will continue to face trauma, scars, societal acceptance issues, body-image distress, constant questioning by the public, and unforgettable flashbacks of the incident, which will undoubtedly impact the rest of her life.
Psychological repercussions
Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, social exclusion, and suicidal thoughts are common mental health consequences of corrosive assaults. This particular attack gained attention because it occurred at a hospital and was captured on CCTV cameras. However, many attacks remain unreported due to fear, social stigma, familial suppression, and lack of trust in the justice system.
Over a ten-year period, more than 1,000 acid attacks were recorded in Pakistan. Approximately 80% of the victims were female, classifying this as gender-based violence. According to local non-governmental organizations and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, common causal factors for acid attacks on women include marital discord, declining marriage proposals, dowry disputes, family feuds, infertility, and the birth of daughters.
Need for stronger enforcement
Although Pakistan has strict penalties and laws against the unregulated sale of corrosive materials and acid attacks, the continued incidents point to either lax law enforcement and surveillance or the need for a stricter legal framework. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered a centralized digital monitoring system for the sale of corrosive agents via biometric verification. While this is a praiseworthy decision, its implementation may be challenging due to unreliable power supply for biometric machines and insufficient technical knowledge.
Recommendations for effective control
To address these challenges, the order should include backup parameters such as manual logging of the customer's name, CNIC number, residential address, contact details, quantity purchased, and purpose of purchase in a government-provided register at every shop or store selling corrosive agents. The sale of corrosive substances should be treated similarly to narcotics. Data must be periodically collected, reviewed, and retained for a defined period.
Random spot inspections should compare the quantity of corrosive agents obtained by sellers with the quantity sold to customers, verify customers' details, and confirm the actual use of purchased quantities. Chemical suppliers of concentrated corrosive agents must also be registered to ensure rationalized sale and purchase.
Public awareness and education
There should be a comprehensive public awareness campaign on social media, television channels, and newspapers regarding the penalties for illegal sale or purchase of corrosive agents, reporting mechanisms for victims or their families, and the legal consequences for offenders. It is also crucial to promote ethical education through morally grounded documentaries to combat the growing problem of toxic masculinity.
