Why acid attacks persist in Pakistan

ACID use in violent crimes has returned to national attention after a disturbing attack on a female doctor in Quetta that was captured on CCTV and widely circulated online. The incident took place on June 5, 2026, inside a hospital where Dr. Mahnoor Nasir was allegedly attacked by a fellow employee after she reportedly rejected his advances. Hospital officials said acid was thrown on her inside the facility, affecting about 13 percent of her body. She was shifted to emergency care and is now in stable condition. The attack sparked protests from the Young Doctors Association, which demanded better security in hospitals and stronger protection for medical staff. Rights groups also renewed calls for stricter enforcement of laws against corrosive violence. Laws Exist, but Enforcement Lags Behind: Pakistan criminalizes acid attacks under Section 336-B of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act, 2011. The law prescribes punishment ranging from 14 years to life imprisonment, along with a minimum fine of one million rupees. Offenses are non-bailable and non-compoundable. Despite these laws, enforcement remains inconsistent. Data from the Acid Survivors Foundation recorded 1,485 reported acid attack cases between 2007 and 2018, with women and children making up a large share of victims. Experts say weak prosecution, delay in trials and limited regulation of chemical sales continue to drive repeat cases. Men and Children Victims Too: While acid attacks have long been associated with gender-based violence against women, recent cases show a broader pattern of victims. Hospital and NGO data indicate increasing incidents involving men and children alongside women. In Mandi Bahauddin, a man was attacked during a property dispute. In Rahim Yar Khan, four children were injured in an assault linked to allegations of abuse in a religious school. In Dera Ghazi Khan, a woman was attacked in a domestic conflict involving family members. Women still make