SC verdict on acid attack case and protection of survivors

By Syeda Shehar Bano 

 The Supreme Court of Pakistan has delivered an important judgment on acid violence, highlighting the severe and long-lasting consequences of acid attacks on victims. In a landmark decision announced in June 2026, the Court upheld the life imprisonment of Abdul Manan, who was convicted of throwing acid on a young woman in Faisalabad. The Court described acid attacks as an exceptionally serious form of violence and emphasized that the harm caused to survivors can continue throughout their lives.The judgment is significant because it addresses not only the criminal responsibility of the offender but also the wider legal and social issues surrounding acid violence, including victim rehabilitation, regulation of acid sales, speedy trials, and the enforcement of laws.

Background of the Case: The case arose from an acid attack that took place in Faisalabad in September 2019. Abdul Manan was convicted for throwing acid on a young woman, causing permanent injuries and disfigurement. The trial court awarded him life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 1 million. The Lahore High Court later upheld the conviction and sentence in November 2022.The accused subsequently approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan and challenged the decision of the Lahore High Court. His appeal was heard by a three-member bench headed by Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, comprising Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim. The Supreme Court ultimately dismissed the appeal and upheld the life sentence.

Supreme Court’s Decision:In its judgment, the Supreme Court maintained the life imprisonment imposed on Abdul Manan and upheld the compensation of Rs. 1 million for the victim. The Court rejected the plea for leniency and emphasized that the seriousness of an acid attack must be understood in light of its permanent consequences.The Court made a strong observation that acid attacks can be even more devastating than homicide because, while homicide ends a person’s life, an acid attack may force a survivor to live with permanent physical and psychological suffering. Victims may experience severe burns, facial disfigurement, disability, loss of eyesight, and long-term emotional trauma.The judgment therefore recognized that acid violence is not simply an ordinary physical assault. It can permanently affect a person’s identity, dignity, health, education, employment, family relationships, and social life.

Legal Importance of the Judgment: The Supreme Court’s decision has important implications for criminal justice and the protection of victims of gender-based violence. It demonstrates that courts may consider the long-term consequences of an offence when determining its seriousness.The judgment also emphasized that criminal punishment alone may not be sufficient to address the consequences of acid violence. Survivors often require expensive medical treatment, reconstructive surgeries, psychological counselling, and financial assistance. As a result, the Court called for stronger institutional mechanisms to support survivors.The Court also recommended the establishment of a National Acid Survivors’ Rehabilitation Fund. Such a mechanism could provide long-term assistance to victims and help them rebuild their lives after suffering permanent injuries.

Regulation of Acid Sales: Another important aspect of the judgment concerns the availability and sale of acid. The Supreme Court called for stronger controls on the sale of acid to private individuals and recommended a complete ban on unregulated retail sales where such trade continues.The Court also proposed a centralized digital monitoring system for legal purchases. Under such a system, buyers could be required to provide information about the intended use and quantity of acid, along with personal identification details. The purpose of such regulation would be to prevent the misuse of corrosive substances while maintaining legitimate industrial and commercial uses.This part of the judgment demonstrates that preventing acid violence requires measures beyond criminal prosecution. Regulation of dangerous substances can also play a role in reducing the availability of acid for criminal purposes.

Speedy Trials and Judicial Oversight: The Supreme Court also emphasized the importance of timely trials in acid attack cases. Delays in criminal proceedings can increase the suffering of victims and may result in secondary victimization.The Court called upon the High Courts to monitor acid attack cases more closely and ensure compliance with statutory timelines. Speedy disposal of cases can help victims obtain justice without facing unnecessary delays and can strengthen public confidence in the criminal justice system.

A Real-Life Example of the Impact: The Abdul Manan case illustrates how an acid attack can have consequences extending far beyond the moment of the crime. A victim who suffers permanent disfigurement may require repeated medical procedures and psychological support for many years.For example, a survivor who loses eyesight or suffers facial injuries may face difficulties in continuing education, finding employment, or participating normally in social life. The survivor may also experience psychological trauma and social isolation. This demonstrates why the legal response to acid violence must include both punishment of offenders and rehabilitation of victims.The Supreme Court’s recommendation for a rehabilitation fund reflects the need for a broader approach in which the justice system addresses the long-term needs of survivors.

Broader Significance for Pakistan: The judgment comes at a time when acid violence continues to be a serious concern in Pakistan. In June 2026, for example, a 17-year-old girl in Ghotki reportedly suffered severe burns to her face, eyes, chest, and arms after an alleged acid attack by a male cousin. The incident demonstrates that acid violence remains a contemporary public safety and legal issue.The Supreme Court’s decision therefore has relevance beyond the individual case. It highlights the need for effective enforcement of criminal laws, stronger regulation of acid sales, speedy trials, victim protection, and long-term rehabilitation.