Balochistan PA backs tougher acid attack law

The Balochistan Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted two resolutions, calling for a review and strengthening of laws relating to acid attacks and demanding effective, comprehensive and non-discriminatory implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) to improve the province's deteriorating law and order situation.

The assembly session began 20 minutes late under the chairmanship of Speaker Captain (retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai. Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola and members Raheela Hameed Durrani, Meena Majeed Baloch, Shaheeda Rauf, Umm Kulsoom, Salma Bibi and Safia Bibi jointly moved the resolution concerning acid attacks.

Presenting the resolution, Shaheeda Rauf strongly condemned the horrific acid attack on Dr Mahnoor, describing it as not only a brutal assault on an individual but also a grave attack on women's fundamental human rights, dignity, security and right to live with respect.

The resolution noted that incidents of acid attacks against women had occurred in Balochistan from time to time, but the province lacked a comprehensive, effective and specific legal framework capable of preventing such crimes and ensuring exemplary punishment for perpetrators.

It called on the provincial government to immediately review existing legislation and introduce necessary amendments, or enact a new, comprehensive and modern law in line with contemporary requirements.

The proposed legislation should provide the strictest possible punishment for perpetrators and ensure the immediate and effective rehabilitation of survivors, including free and quality medical treatment, plastic surgery, psychological support, legal assistance and appropriate financial compensation.

The resolution also called for strict regulations and an effective monitoring mechanism governing the sale, purchase and transportation of acid to prevent its misuse and enable survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity.

After members, including Haji Ali Madad Jatak, Opposition Leader Younus Zehri, Farah Azeem Shah, Rehmat Baloch, Raheela Durrani and Provincial Minister Bakht Kakar, spoke on the resolution, the Deputy Speaker declared it a resolution of the entire House, which was unanimously adopted.

In another resolution, Awami National Party parliamentary leader Engineer Zamrak Khan Achakzai expressed deep grief over recent terrorist incidents in various parts of Balochistan, particularly Ziarat, Hanna Urak, Mastung, Qilla Abdullah and along national highways.

The House strongly condemned the attacks, including the killing of Mastung Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar and other innocent citizens, and expressed condolences to the bereaved families while praying for the recovery of those injured.

The resolution voiced serious concern over worsening security conditions on national highways, where passengers, transporters and civilians have increasingly been targeted, resulting in loss of lives, financial losses and disruption of economic activity.