A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, dismissed the appeal with the observation that although the appellant had been pardoned by the victim woman, he deserved no mercy because of the very cruel nature of the crime.
During the hearing, counsel for the appellant had submitted before the court that since the victim had pardoned the accused, he should be acquitted. The Chief Justice observed that it was quite possible that the victim was threatened with dire consequences if she did not pardon her tormentor.
He said throwing acid on someone was a crime worse than murder. So considering the nature of his crime, the appellant deserved no mercy. The top judge also described throwing acid on someone as a crime against the state.
In more than 80 per cent of cases, it is usually women who are victims of acid attack. Women are subjected to acid attack for refusing marriage proposal or for not allowing sexual favour, rejection of dowry demands or by estranged husbands and their relatives. People also resort to acid attack as a form of revenge.
In Pakistan, acid attacks have registered a 50 per cent decline since 2014 — the year in which 153 cases had been recorded. The decline can be attributed to fear of punishment. Under the relevant law, acid attack is punishable by life imprisonment with a fine of one million rupees.
We hope the Supreme Court verdict will serve as a deterrent for others. Formerly accused sought acquittal in such cases on the plea of being pardoned by victims. The Supreme Court verdict will put an end to pardons obtained under duress.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 14th, 2019.
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