Blame game mars acid attack case

Four individuals allegedly involved in an acid attack on a female lawyer in Lodhran have been arrested by the police. However, family members of the arrested suspects held a press conference on Saturday, claiming that they were falsely apprehended while the real culprits were still at large.

Amidst protests led by fellow lawyers, the police arrested the accused including the victim’s husband, in connection with the acid attack.

During the press conference held outside the press club, Qazi Faheem, who led the protest, vehemently condemned the acid attack. However, he also cautioned against punishing innocent persons and called upon the legal community to ensure justice prevails.

Faheem remarked, "A society where no girl or woman is safe is an abomination."

Relatives of the accused individuals urged the Lodhran police to employ modern technology to uncover the real culprits behind the heinous act.

During the presser, the victim's step-sisters and step-mother shared their perspective on the incident. They stated that they were unaware of the identity of the acid attacker and stressed that the accused had supported a helpless widow, referring to the victim's step-mother.

They called for a thorough investigation and expressed their willingness to cooperate if the accused were found guilty.

The case, as detailed in FIR, alleges that the acid attack was motivated by property disputes. The victim, Nosheen Sabahat, sustained burns on her face, hands, and body during the attack. She was subsequently transferred to Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital for medical treatment.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17^th, 2023.