The Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the life imprisonment sentence of acid attack convict Abdul Mannan and rejected his plea seeking leniency on the basis of age. In a landmark judgment, the court also issued wide-ranging directives aimed at strengthening legal protections for acid attack survivors and ensuring swift justice in such cases.
The case was heard by a three-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Kakar, along with Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim. The detailed 13-page verdict was authored by Justice Hashim Khan Kakar. The court maintained the conviction of Abdul Mannan, who attacked Iqra Parveen with acid in Faisalabad, and ordered him to pay Rs1 million in compensation to the victim.
In its observations, the Supreme Court stated that minor age cannot be used as a shield in cases involving brutal and premeditated crimes. The bench described acid attacks as crimes even more horrific than murder, noting that while murder takes a life once, acid violence leaves victims with lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological suffering. The judgment highlighted the severe and lasting impact of such attacks on survivors.
The court directed all High Courts across the country to ensure that acid attack trials are completed within four months without exception. It emphasized the need for prompt justice and instructed judicial authorities to closely monitor these cases. The judgment also called for a complete ban on the open sale of acid and recommended the introduction of biometric and digital monitoring systems to regulate its purchase and distribution.
To improve support for survivors, the Supreme Court ordered the establishment of a National Acid Survivors’ Rehabilitation Fund. It directed authorities to issue disability certificates to permanently affected victims and introduce quotas for survivors in government employment. The court further recommended special educational opportunities and welfare support programs for those impacted by acid violence.
The judgment also stressed that all expenses related to plastic surgery, reconstructive treatment, and psychological counseling should be covered by the state. Monthly stipends were recommended for survivors who become permanently disabled or lose their ability to earn a livelihood. The court underscored the importance of rehabilitation programs designed to help victims overcome the social isolation and discrimination often faced after such attacks.
Additionally, the Supreme Court ordered the creation of a centralized digital system to regulate acid trade. Under the proposed mechanism, buyers would be required to provide national identity card details and undergo biometric verification before purchasing acid. The Registrar was directed to circulate copies of the judgment to all High Courts, federal and provincial law departments, the Attorney General, and provincial Advocate Generals to ensure implementation of the court’s recommendations.
Also read: Lahore High Court Challenged Over Heavy Traffic Challans
