KARACHI:
The acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Nasir has deeply shocked and saddened the public at large. In our country, a large number of students, particularly young women, aspire to become doctors. To achieve this goal, they dedicate years of hard work and sacrifice, often studying late into the night, while their parents also invest significant financial and emotional resources in supporting their education and professional ambitions.
Dr Mahnoor Nasir, after successfully completing her MBBS degree, pursued postgraduate studies to further advance her career and contribute to the medical profession. Unfortunately, while serving in a hospital in Quetta, she became the victim of a brutal acid attack allegedly carried out by a lift operator. Such a heinous act not only caused severe injuries to the victim but also alarmed society as a whole.
It is equally commendable that a hospital staff member, who attempted to rescue Dr Mahnoor during the incident, sustained burn injuries himself and required medical treatment. His courage and sense of duty deserve recognition and appreciation.
A comprehensive and transparent investigation needs to be conducted to ascertain whether any other individual aided, abetted, facilitated or conspired in the commission of the offence. Mobile phone records, digital evidence, CCTV footage and all other relevant circumstantial evidence should be collected and examined.
A matter of serious concern is the easy availability of acid in the country. Comparative legal frameworks in other jurisdictions demonstrate stricter oversight. Therefore, the sale, purchase, storage and distribution of acid should be brought under a robust licensing and monitoring regime. Acid should only be sold to authorised persons after proper verification of identity and the intended lawful purpose. Detailed records of purchasers should be maintained, and stringent penalties should be imposed for unauthorised sale or misuse.
The increasing number of acid attack cases reported in recent years underscores the urgent need for legislative and administrative reforms. The government should take immediate and effective measures to regulate the sale of corrosive substances, strengthen law enforcement mechanisms, and ensure exemplary punishment for offenders so as to deter such barbaric acts and safeguard the lives and dignity of citizens. Every possible step must be taken to eradicate this menace from society.
Riaz Ali Panhwar
Hyderabad
