ISLAMABAD (MNN); In a landmark judgment with far-reaching implications, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that acid attacks, legally known as vitriolage, constitute a crime even more heinous than homicide, emphasizing that survivors are often condemned to a lifetime of physical, psychological and social suffering.
The ruling was issued by a three-member bench headed by Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar and comprising Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim. The court dismissed an appeal filed by Abdul Manan, who had challenged a Lahore High Court decision upholding his conviction and life sentence for an acid attack on a young woman in Faisalabad.
The Supreme Court maintained the sentence awarded by the Anti-Terrorism Court, which had sentenced the convict to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs1 million.
In a strongly worded 14-page judgment authored by Justice Kakar, the court observed that unlike death, which ends suffering once, acid attack survivors are forced to endure the pain and consequences of the crime every day for the rest of their lives.
The judgment stated that the purpose of an acid attacker is not merely to injure or kill, but to destroy the victim’s identity, dignity and future, leaving behind a permanent reminder of cruelty and hatred.
The ruling came only days after a female doctor, was attacked with acid at Civil Hospital Quetta, prompting doctors across the city to stage protests and demand a comprehensive investigation.
Recognising the lifelong challenges faced by survivors, the Supreme Court recommended that the federal and provincial governments establish a National Acid Survivors’ Rehabilitation Fund through dedicated legislation.
According to the judgment, the proposed fund should provide comprehensive medical treatment, including reconstructive surgeries, specialised physical therapy, trauma counselling, psychotherapy and psychiatric care. The court also proposed a monthly stipend for survivors who are unable to support themselves financially due to permanent injuries or ongoing medical complications.
Justice Kakar further suggested the formulation of national rehabilitation guidelines to ensure free lifelong medical and psychological treatment for acid attack survivors in both public and private healthcare facilities.
The judgment described acid violence as a manifestation of patriarchal control and gender-based violence, noting that many such attacks occur after the rejection of marriage proposals, refusal of sexual advances, or disputes related to dowry and family conflicts.
The court observed that acid attacks are often intended to impose a “social death” on women by destroying their appearance and social identity.
Justice Kakar stressed that eliminating acid violence requires a two-pronged strategy: strict criminal punishment and tight regulation of corrosive substances. He cited successful legislative models from countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia, where stronger controls have helped reduce acid-related crimes.
The judgment noted that while Pakistan introduced legal reforms in 2011 to strengthen punishments for acid attacks, recurring incidents demonstrate that criminal penalties alone are insufficient.
“As long as corrosive substances remain easily accessible, the deterrent impact of punishment will remain limited,” the court observed.
The Supreme Court praised the Punjab Acid Control Act 2025 as an important legislative step, noting that it shifts the focus from punishing offenders after attacks to preventing crimes before they occur. The law introduces strict licensing requirements and prohibits the sale of acid to individuals under 18 years of age.
The court expressed hope that effective enforcement of such laws would significantly reduce the availability of dangerous chemicals and ultimately help eradicate acid violence from society.
Justice Kakar further noted that the suffering of survivors does not end with a court verdict. Instead, it marks the beginning of a long and painful journey involving repeated surgeries, rehabilitation and psychological recovery, often at costs beyond the reach of most victims.
The judgment highlighted the cases of acid attack survivors ارم سعید and میمونہ خان, who underwent 25 and 21 reconstructive surgeries respectively following attacks linked to personal and family disputes.
The court also expressed concern that despite existing laws, weak implementation and enforcement continue to undermine efforts to combat acid violence.
To ensure speedy justice, the Supreme Court recommended that all High Courts actively monitor acid attack cases and ensure that statutory timelines for trials are strictly observed to prevent delays and secondary victimisation of survivors.
Calling acid violence a crime rooted in misogyny, gender discrimination and patriarchal aggression, the court also recommended a complete ban on the sale of acid to private individuals across the country.
For legitimate industrial and commercial use, the court proposed the creation of a centralised digital monitoring system. Under the proposed mechanism, all purchases of acid would be recorded electronically, requiring applicants to disclose the purpose of purchase, identity details, photographs and biometric verification.
According to the judgment, such a transparent digital system would eliminate manual record-keeping and enable authorities to monitor the sale and movement of corrosive substances in real time.
The Supreme Court has forwarded its judgment to all High Courts as well as relevant federal and provincial departments for consideration and implementation.
The case stems from an incident on September 4, 2019, when Abdul Manan threw sulphuric acid on a young woman while she was cooking in the kitchen of her home in Faisalabad. Court records show that she suffered severe burns to her face, chest, back, left leg and foot, while her left ear was completely destroyed.
During trial proceedings in January 2020, medical evidence showed that the victim was unable to walk, move freely or even lie down comfortably. She has remained bedridden since the attack.
Although Abdul Manan denied the allegations, he failed to present evidence in his defence. Court records stated that he was between 17 and 18 years old at the time of the crime.
His lawyer sought leniency on account of his age, but prosecutors argued that youth could not be used as a shield for such a barbaric offence.
On February 1, 2020, the Anti-Terrorism Court in Faisalabad sentenced him to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs1 million for the victim. The Lahore High Court upheld the conviction on November 21, 2022, a decision that has now been reaffirmed by the Supreme Court.
