Pakistan’s Women Parliamentarians Push for Tougher Acid Attack Laws.

The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus in Pakistan has announced plans to fast-track legislation aimed at strengthening penalties for acid attacks, citing a surge in such incidents and growing public demand for justice, according to The Express Tribune. The initiative, which seeks to amend existing legal frameworks, comes amid heightened scrutiny of violence against women and calls for stricter enforcement of anti-acid attack laws in the country.

The move follows a series of high-profile acid attacks, including the recent assault on a female doctor in Pakistan, which has intensified pressure on lawmakers to address the issue, reported The Independent. The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, a coalition of female legislators, stated that the proposed amendments would include harsher sentencing for perpetrators, improved victim support mechanisms, and stricter regulation of acid sales. A senior member of the caucus, speaking to The Express Tribune, emphasized that the legislation aims to “deter such crimes through swift and severe legal consequences.”

Acid attacks remain a persistent problem in Pakistan, with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reporting over 300 cases annually in recent years. The current legal framework, under the Pakistan Penal Code, imposes prison sentences ranging from three to 10 years for acid attacks, but advocates argue that these penalties are insufficient to deter offenders. The proposed law would increase maximum penalties to life imprisonment in certain cases, according to The Express Tribune.

The initiative has drawn support from women’s rights organizations, which have long criticized the slow pace of judicial reforms. “This is a critical step toward accountability, but implementation remains a challenge,” said a spokesperson for the Aurat Foundation, a leading women’s rights group. “We urge the government to ensure that the law is not just passed but also enforced effectively.”

However, the proposal faces potential hurdles, including resistance from legal experts who argue that punitive measures alone may not address the root causes of acid violence. Dr. Ayesha Khan, a legal scholar at Lahore University, noted that “socioeconomic factors, such as gender-based discrimination and lack of access to legal recourse, must be addressed alongside stricter laws.”

The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus has also called for public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of acid misuse and the legal consequences of attacks. The group cited a 2023 survey by the Pakistan Women’s Rights Movement, which found that 68% of respondents believed acid attacks were underreported due to fear of retaliation and societal stigma.

Meanwhile, the case of the female doctor attacked with acid has become a focal point for activists. According to The Independent, the incident occurred in Lahore in May 2026, prompting nationwide protests demanding stronger legal protections. The doctor, who is still recovering, has called for systemic changes to prevent such crimes. “No one should have to live with the trauma of an acid attack,” she said in a statement shared by The Independent.

The government has not yet issued an official response to the proposed legislation, but Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah reportedly acknowledged the need for “comprehensive reforms” in a recent press briefing. “We are reviewing all suggestions to ensure that the rights of victims are protected,” he said, according to Dawn.

The fast-tracking of the law is part of a broader push by the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus to advance gender-related policies. In May 2026, the group also introduced a bill to increase the representation of women in judicial roles, as reported by The Express Tribune. However, critics argue that legislative efforts must be accompanied by grassroots initiatives to change cultural attitudes toward women’s safety.

As the debate over the acid attack law unfolds, activists remain cautious. “Laws are essential, but they must be supported by institutions that prioritize justice over political expediency,” said a lawyer specializing in gender-based violence. “We hope this initiative marks a turning point, but sustained effort will be required.”