Joint review committee must be formed for comprehensive legislation focusing on acid regulation, protection of victims
Balochistan Assembly. PHOTO: EXPRESS
QUETTA:
The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) on Monday decided to fast-track legislation aimed at preventing acid attacks in Balochistan and ensuring justice and rehabilitation for the victims.
The development came after Dr. Mahnoor was critically injured when an assailant allegedly threw acid on her while she was on duty at the surgical ward of Quetta’s Civil Sandeman Hospital last week. The suspect fled the scene, but was later killed in a shootout with police.
A meeting of the caucus, chaired by Balochistan Assembly Deputy Speaker and WPC Chairperson Ghazala Gola, was held today in the provincial assembly committee room. The session focused on measures to curb acid violence, strengthen relevant laws and support affected individuals.
The participants included WPC members Raheela Hamid Khan Durrani, Shahida Rauf, Farah Azeem Shah, Kulsoom Niaz, Salma Kakar and Shahnaz Umrani; Justice (retd) Kailash Nath Kohli; representatives from the home and legal departments; officials from UN Women; and Balochistan Special Secretary Abdul Rehman.
During the meeting, Justice (retd) Kailash Nath Kohli gave a detailed briefing on Pakistan’s existing legal framework regarding acid attacks and related crimes. He also updated attendees on a proposed provincial law drafted in 2016.
Representatives from the Ministry of Interior presented official statistics revealing that seven cases of acid throwing had been recorded in Balochistan since 2021, with five cases disposed of in 2022.
After careful consideration, the participants unanimously decided to set up a joint assessment committee. The committee will examine the existing draft law and incorporate stronger provisions relating to the regulation of the sale and use of acid, the protection and rehabilitation of victims, compensation mechanisms and effective institutional responses.
The members of the meeting also recommended that the next consultation meeting invite representatives from the Departments of Industry, Health, Prosecution, Women’s Development, Law, Senior Advocates, Home Department and Police to give their input to make the proposed legislation more robust.
Read more: Quetta acid attack victim Dr. Mahnoor stable, vision intact after treatment at AKUH
The participants also decided to review the composition of the board to be established under the proposed bill to ensure representation from the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus and other relevant stakeholders.
It was also suggested that members of the relevant Standing Committee on Home Affairs be involved in future hearings to build wider consensus and improve coordination.
Participants emphasized that a comprehensive and strong provincial law was essential to effectively prevent acid attacks, regulate the sale and use of acid and other dangerous chemicals, hold perpetrators accountable and provide meaningful support and rehabilitation to survivors.
Concluding the session, Chairman Ghazala reaffirmed the WPC’s commitment to continue its efforts to enact laws that protect vulnerable sections of society, promote justice and ensure strong security measures against all forms of violence in Balochistan.
The injured doctor was a postgraduate trainee. She received initial medical treatment and was later flown to Karachi through a special air ambulance to ensure access to advanced medical care. According to the doctors, approximately 35% of her face and body had sustained burns.
The incident sparked a strong reaction from the Young Doctors Association (YDA), which described the attack as a serious security breach.
Read more: Suspect killed in encounter after acid attack on female doctor in Quetta
The association claimed that the suspect worked as a private lift operator at the hospital and alleged that the attack was carried out with the intention of killing the doctor.
YDA leaders demanded an immediate transfer of the health secretary and the medical superintendent of the Civil Hospital and called for a transparent judicial inquiry into the incident.
The association criticized the government for what it described as inadequate security measures at public hospitals and announced a strike in response to the incident.
“This attack reflects a complete failure of security arrangements in hospitals,” the association said, calling on authorities to resolve responsibility and ensure accountability.
