A landmark step in safeguarding women from acid attacks, the Punjab Acid Control Bill 2024 has been formally submitted in the Punjab Assembly. The bill aims to regulate the sale and purchase of acid across the province, with the goal of curbing acid attacks, a form of violence that has historically targeted women in Pakistan.
The bill was introduced by Hina Pervez Butt, Chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority, who submitted the draft to the Punjab Assembly secretariat. Speaking on the significance of the proposed legislation, Butt emphasized that once passed, the law will immediately come into force throughout the province. “This bill is a crucial step towards protecting women and regulating the sale and purchase of acid, which has been a weapon in heinous crimes,” she stated.
The Punjab Acid Control Bill 2024 introduces strict regulations on the sale of acid, mandating that any dealer involved in the sale of acid must acquire a license from the licensing authority, which will be overseen by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the respective district. The license will be valid for a two-year period, after which it must be renewed.
According to Hina Butt, the bill empowers authorities to cancel a dealer’s license in the event of any legal violation. The legislation also imposes penalties on individuals or businesses that fail to obtain the necessary license within 120 days of the bill’s enforcement. Violators will face fines and possible imprisonment.
One of the key aspects of the bill is the prohibition of selling acid to individuals under the age of 18 years, an important measure to prevent misuse. By limiting access to acid, the legislation seeks to address a major contributing factor to acid attacks. Historically, acid has been easily obtainable, making it a convenient tool for perpetrators of violence.
Acid attacks, which primarily target women, have long been a critical issue in Pakistan, leaving survivors with permanent disfigurement, emotional trauma, and social isolation. In many cases, these attacks are motivated by personal grievances, including rejected marriage proposals, domestic disputes, or family feuds. The new bill aims to prevent such incidents by controlling the availability of acid and holding violators accountable.
Butt noted that the bill represents a significant step in protecting women’s rights and enhancing the legal framework surrounding acid sales. “With this legislation, we hope to eliminate the weaponization of acid and provide a stronger deterrent against such violent acts,” she said. She added that the Punjab Women Protection Authority is committed to ensuring swift and effective enforcement of the bill once it is passed.
The submission of the Punjab Acid Control Bill 2024 follows a series of advocacy efforts by women’s rights organizations and activists, who have long called for stricter regulations on acid sales. In recent years, several provinces have made strides in addressing gender-based violence, but Punjab’s proposed legislation marks one of the most comprehensive approaches to tackling acid attacks.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, there is hope that it will serve as a model for other provinces to adopt similar measures. Activists have praised the initiative, urging lawmakers to pass the bill without delay and highlighting the importance of continued efforts to protect vulnerable populations from acid-related violence.
If the bill is passed, its implementation will rely on close coordination between district administrations, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations. In addition to regulating acid sales, public awareness campaigns may be launched to educate citizens about the dangers of acid attacks and the penalties associated with violating the new law.
For now, the submission of the Punjab Acid Control Bill 2024 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against acid violence in Pakistan. Women’s rights advocates, government officials, and community leaders alike are hopeful that the bill will bring about lasting change and ensure the safety of women across the province.
