Lawmaker moves bill against burn attacks

Draft declares govt responsible for treatment and rehabilitation of victims

LAHORE:

PML-N lawmaker Hina Pervez Butt has submitted a bill in Punjab Assembly for ensuring punishment to the perpetrators of acid and burn crimes, and treatment and rehabilitation of the victims.

The Acid and Burn Crime Bill 2020 is aimed at preventing the misuse of corrosive substances, providing treatment and rehabilitation of acid and burn victims and their dependents and giving legal support and protection to them.

The bill proposes that whoever commits or attempts to commit an offence of acid or burn attack shall, if such an act results in the death of any person, be punished with rigorous imprisonment for life. Intentionally causes hurt by an acid or burn attack shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for up to seven years. Whoever aids, abets or colludes in an acid or burn attack, including preparation, shall be liable to rigorous imprisonment for up to seven years, the bill proposes.

It also suggests that if the court finds that the investigation officer or other officers concerned have failed to pursue the case properly, it shall punish such an officer with imprisonment for up to two years, fine, or both after summary proceedings.

The draft declares that it shall be the responsibility of the government to provide medical treatment and rehabilitation free of charge to acid and burn victims. All basic health units and governmental hospitals in Punjab shall be under duty to provide free

treatment to the victims.

MPA Hina Pervez Butt said acid throwing and burn crimes were increasing year by year and a large number of women and children had fallen victim to the crime. Due to the socioeconomic circumstances, fear and stigma, as well as the highly complex nature of acid and burn injuries, specific and comprehensive legislation was needed in this regard.

She said the law, if enacted, would result in perpetrators facing effective deterrent, victims obtaining justice and availing free medical and psycho-social rehabilitation services.

The MPA complained that this was the second time she was submitting the bill but the government was not willing to get it approved.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2020.