In a landmark ruling that could change the way acid attack cases are dealt with in Pakistan, the Supreme Court has announced far-reaching reforms providing quicker justice and greater protection for survivors.

The decision came as Abdul Mannan’s life imprisonment was upheld in the Faisalabad acid attack case of survivor Iqra Parveen. The court also upheld the compensation order of Rs1 million for the victim.

But the verdict has ramifications beyond a single case.

The Supreme Court has directed that all acid attack trials in Pakistan should be concluded in four months. The High Courts have also been asked to closely monitor such cases to prevent delays that can prolong the suffering of the victims.

One of the most serious is a proposed clampdown on the free sale of acid. The court has directed to set up a centralized digital monitoring system where buyers will have to provide CNIC details and biometric verification before buying acid.

The ruling also calls for the creation of a National Acid Survivors Rehabilitation Fund to offer medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, psychological support and financial help to the survivors who suffer from long-term disabilities.

In one more major move, acid attack survivors may be given disability certificates and special quotas in jobs, education and welfare programmes to help them rebuild their lives with dignity.

Some legal experts are already calling the verdict one of the broadest measures ever taken against acid violence in Pakistan’s history.

it signals a new chapter in the fight against acid violence.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)