Acid Attacks In Pakistan: The Scars That Never Heal

 

The Scars That Never Heal :-

Between 1999 and 2022, Pakistan recorded 3,469 acid attacks, affecting 3,873 survivors. Sadly, 52% of the survivors were women. Although reported cases have declined over the years, acid violence continues to scar lives.

Most reported cases came from Punjab (65%), followed by Sindh (18%), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (10%), and Balochistan & others (7%).

The recent acid attack on Dr. Mahnoor Nasir in Quetta on 5 June 2026 is a painful reminder that this crime still exists despite strict laws.

Pakistan has strong anti-acid attack laws, including the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act, 2011, which provides up to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 1 million.

Yet, weak enforcement remains a major challenge. Acid attacks do not only leave scars on the body, they leave lifelong scars on lives.

By Syed Azam Ali Shah