Supreme Court Delivers Landmark Ruling: Acid Attacks Declared More Heinous Than Murder

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has issued a powerful landmark judgment recognizing acid attacks as an exceptionally grave crime, stating that the long-term physical, psychological, and social damage inflicted on victims can exceed even the impact of murder.

The court upheld a life imprisonment sentence against a convicted perpetrator and ordered mandatory financial compensation for the survivor. It also pushed for strict regulatory reform, directing authorities to impose a complete ban on the open sale of acid and to introduce a controlled distribution system backed by biometric verification and traceable sales records.

In a significant move to speed up justice, the Supreme Court instructed that all acid attack cases must be decided within four months. The ruling further directed both federal and provincial governments to establish dedicated rehabilitation funds for survivors, ensuring free medical treatment, psychological counseling, and long-term social and economic support.

The judgment also recommended structured rehabilitation measures, including employment support, welfare assistance, and reintegration programs aimed at restoring dignity and independence to survivors.

This ruling marks a major step in strengthening legal protection for victims of acid violence and sends a clear message of zero tolerance toward such crimes, reinforcing the demand for stricter enforcement and systemic reform.