Naila Farhat has made it her personal mission to pass legislation that will protect women against acid attacks. In 2003, a spurned lover threw acid on a thirteen-year-old Farhat, severely disfiguring her. Since then, her case has been a catalyst for the movement for stricter legislation regarding violence against women in Pakistan. In 2009, the Supreme Court made a landmark decision and sentenced Farhat’s perpetrators to 12 years of incarceration and ordered restitution in the amount of approximately $14,775. In the decision, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhary, urged the Pakistani government to pass legislation.
In response to this recommendation, three women within the Parliament drafted a proposal which would amend current laws regarding gendered violence. The proposed law restricts the sale of industrial strength acids used in acid attacks and enhances sentences for perpetrators. Many, including Farhat, argue that this proposed law is not enough. The law deals with acid attacks in which only women and children are the victims. As 39% of acid attacks in Pakistan occur with men as victims, Farhat advocates for the law to protect all victims of acid attacks. A second criticism of the draft legislation addresses the role of law enforcement. Critics feel the role of law enforcement in regulating and watching the acid trade is vague and ambiguous, and must be strengthened for the legislation to be effective.
Acid attacks in Pakistan are on the rise. Sulfuric acid is commonly used in the textile industry and can be purchased for as little as $0.23 per liter. The prevalence of such attacks is attributed to the affordability and accessibility of acid, the absence of a framework to regulate and monitor the acid trade, and other socio-economic factors.
Compiled from: Women Intensify Push to Pass Law Against Acid Attacks, Inter Press Service (31 May 2010).