Combating acid violence

The passage of the Acid and Fire Attack Prevention Bill, 2024 by the National Assembly stands as a critical milestone in Pakistan's social justice journey. The legislation introduces severe penalties for perpetrators, including the death penalty or up to seven years' imprisonment for attackers, alongside accountability for police failures. It also mandates case resolution within a strict 60-day window which, if seamlessly implemented, could significantly impact the current climate of gender-based violence in a positive manner.

At surface level, such robust measures signal a welcome shift. The legislation stands for free medical treatment, rehabilitation centres, legal aid, victim-witness protection and financial support for dependents. All of these measures are immensely important in creating a foundation of justice that focuses on offering victims support and ensuring that criminals are not able to get away scot-free. Yet, overdue as they are, the efficacy of these measures now solely relies on how effectively and equitably they will be implemented.

The law's requirement for an acid and burn crime monitoring board with at least 33 per cent female representation is encouraging. But additionally, the quota must avoid tokenism, instead bringing real power and oversight to the larger conversation surrounding such crimes. The announced measures must also be backed by substantial resources, otherwise they stand at the risk of faltering.

Historically, Pakistan has had prior legislations like the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act of 2011 which laid the groundwork for stringent penalties. The newer bill's success now hinges largely on political will, bureaucratic competence and funding. While the bill itself is a step in the right direction, its power will be measured once authorities successfully channel it into an accessible mechanism that victims can approach without hesitation. Only then can the country turn hope into lasting, protective change.