Law on the way to control acid attacks on women

LAHORE: The Punjab government is taking significant steps to combat rampant acid attacks and illegal sale and transportation of acid in the province through the introduction of Punjab Acid Control Bill 2025.

A draft of the proposed bill has been prepared and will soon be presented in the Punjab Assembly for approval. This legislation is aimed at regulating acid sales and preventing its misuse, particularly in acid attacks, which have disproportionately affected women in the province.

The proposed bill establishes a licensing framework for acid dealers, mandating that anyone involved in the business of selling acid must obtain a license from district-level licensing authorities (Deputy Commissioners). The dealers will be required to submit documentation, including their national identity card and property details, to the deputy commissioners to obtain the license. The licenses must be renewed every two years, with mandatory inspections of business premises by the licensing authority.

The bill includes stringent penalties for those trading acid without license, including hefty fines of up to Rs100,000 and sealing of the premises. In addition to this, the sale of acid to individuals under the age of 18 will be strictly prohibited, with violations resulting in fines and the sealing of the premises.

The bill also criminalizes the illegal possession, transportation, and trade of acid, with penalties that could lead to the suspension or cancellation of business licenses and punishments in line with provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).