Support for burn victims: ‘Negligence, lack of protection for survivors among the main problems’

Madadgaar National Helpline holds conference to share stories of two suffering families.

KARACHI:

Gyan Chand Meghwar, 17, was abducted, robbed and set on fire by his neighbours as his father was involved in an investigation against offenders in a case. Meghwar succumbed to his injuries at the Sukkur Civil Hospital almost two weeks ago.

Another victim, 27-year-old Ruqaiya, her three children and mother-in-law survived an acid attack by her husband, Asghar, after she refused to give him money. These were the two cases discussed at a press conference held by the Madadgaar National Helpline on Thursday to discuss violence against children and women.

“Delay in providing justice, lack of implementation of policies, police negligence, poor medical facilities, medico-legal negligence and availability of limited protection services are among the factors increasing such incidents,” said Zia Ahmed Awan, a lawyer and founder of the Madadgaar National Helpline.

Meghwar’s father, Basru Ram, told the media that his son was burned to death as he was involved in an investigation against Krishan Kumar - a suspect in two cases. Kumar and his sons were found guilty in one of the cases and were fined by the elders of the society.

“To take revenge, the offender’s sons kidnapped and killed Meghwar by burning him alive,” said Ram. Kumar and his three sons were arrested while one son is still on the run.

Ruqaiya, a resident of Nusrat Bhutto Colony, suffered 22 per cent burns after her husband allegedly threw acid on her while she was sleeping for not giving him money. She is being treated at the Karachi Civil Hospital. The suspect and his two brothers, who were named in the FIR, have yet to be arrested but were reportedly threatening the victims through their contacts.

“Everyone should urge the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take notice of such incidents as people don’t trust on any other institution except for the courts,” said Awan.

Taking care of survivors

The burn survivors should be provided legal aid, medical care and compensation from government while availability of the justice system should be made viable, said Awan. He cited unsatisfactory legal action against offenders as one of the main reason for the rise in cases of violence. “The cases of women and children being burned spread fear in the society and that is why such cases should be sent to the Anti-Terrorism Court for speedy trials.”

Highlighting another important issue, Awan told the media that there was only one burn centre in Karachi which covers Sindh and some areas of Balochistan. “One centre is not enough, especially since so many cases keep coming up.”

He suggested that the police should be present at the burn centres to record the immediate statement of survivors and to provide them security as they are threatened and pressured to change their statements.

The families of the victims and survivors appealed for medical aid and requested the government to take action against the culprits.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2013.