Acid Attacks — Prevention and Survivor Support in Pakistan
Reviewed by the Commoner Law editorial team. Sources: pakistancode.gov.pk, Punjab/Sindh/KP/Balochistan provincial codes, Supreme Court of Pakistan, FBR, EOBI, SBP, NEPRA, OGRA, PMDC, FIA, and provincial Healthcare Commissions. Provincial variations cite Punjab/Sindh/KP/Balochistan Acts and ICT-specific ordinances. Written in plain English with everyday Urdu legal terms (FIR, qabza, khula, NTN, CNIC) for a general audience — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Acid attacks were prosecuted under generic hurt provisions until 2011 — too lenient for the lifelong damage they cause. The Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act 2011 created specific penalties:
- PPC § 336-B: causing hurt by corrosive substance — imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description not less than 14 years, plus a minimum fine of Rs 1 million.
- Compounding bar: § 336-B is a non-compoundable and non-bailable offence under Schedule II of the CrPC (as amended in 2011).
- Sale regulation: chemical traders must record CNIC of every buyer; police can investigate sources of acid in attack cases.
Provincial Acid Control Acts (Punjab 2014, Sindh 2014) tightened the supply chain — restricted sales to verified industrial/commercial buyers.
The Acid Survivors Foundation Pakistan (ASF) provides comprehensive support: emergency medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, legal aid, vocational training, and shelter. Their helpline (042-3537-2202) coordinates with provincial governments and hospitals.
The Punjab Government's Punjab Strategic Reform Roadmap for acid violence and the Sindh Burns Centre at Civil Hospital Karachi are state-level interventions worth knowing about.
When does it apply?
- You or someone you know has been attacked with acid or other corrosive substance.
- You're being threatened with an acid attack.
- You witness or know of acid sales without CNIC verification.
What to do as a survivor or supporter of an acid attack
- Immediate: rinse with running water for 30+ minutes, get to a hospital with burn capability — Mayo Burns Centre Lahore, Sindh Burns Centre Civil Hospital Karachi, JPMC, AKUH, Lady Reading Peshawar, Quetta CMH.
- Contact ASF: 042-3537-2202 for medical, legal, and rehabilitation coordination.
- FIR: at the police station with jurisdiction under PPC § 336-B. Ensure investigation traces acid source.
- For threats: file under PPC § 506 (criminal intimidation) + report to ASF and provincial Commission on Status of Women.
- Long-term support: ASF runs reconstruction surgery programs and connects survivors with international NGOs (Acid Survivors Trust International).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept settlement. Acid attacks are non-compoundable in most cases.
- Don't delay medical care. First aid in the first 30 minutes drastically reduces injury severity.
- Don't hide facial scarring from the public — public visibility helps prosecution and brings social support. Survivors who remain visible (Fakhra Younus, Mukhtar Mai) have changed public discourse.
Frequently asked questions
Is the punishment for acid attacks specific?
Yes — PPC § 336-B (added by the 2011 Act) imposes imprisonment for life, or not less than 14 years, plus a minimum Rs 1 million fine, specifically for hurt by corrosive substance. No 'minor hurt' classification applies.
Are acid attacks compoundable?
Generally no — Schedule II of the CrPC was amended in 2011 to make PPC § 336-B non-compoundable and non-bailable. Forgiveness by the survivor does not extinguish prosecution.
Where can survivors get reconstructive surgery?
Acid Survivors Foundation Pakistan (042-3537-2202) coordinates surgical care, often at international standard, frequently subsidised. Mayo Burns Centre Lahore, Sindh Burns Centre Karachi, AKUH, and Lady Reading Peshawar provide acute care.
When does acid attacks — prevention and survivor support apply?
You or someone you know has been attacked with acid or other corrosive substance.You're being threatened with an acid attack.You witness or know of acid sales without CNIC verification.
I've been attacked with acid — what's the immediate response in Pakistan?
Immediate: rinse with running water for 30+ minutes, get to a hospital with burn capability — Mayo Burns Centre Lahore, Sindh Burns Centre Civil Hospital Karachi, JPMC, AKUH, Lady Reading Peshawar, Quetta CMH.Contact ASF: 042-3537-2202 for medical, legal, and rehabilitation coordination.FIR: at the police station with jurisdiction under PPC § 336-B. Ensure investigation traces acid source.For threats: file under PPC § 506 (criminal intimidation) + report to ASF and provincial Commission on Status of Women.Long-term support: ASF runs reconstruction surgery programs and connects survivors with i...
What mistakes should I avoid with acid attacks — prevention and survivor support?
Don't accept settlement. Acid attacks are non-compoundable in most cases.Don't delay medical care. First aid in the first 30 minutes drastically reduces injury severity.Don't hide facial scarring from the public — public visibility helps prosecution and brings social support. Survivors who remain visible (Fakhra Younus, Mukhtar Mai) have changed public discourse.