In a first, Punjab PA panel okays law to prevent acid attacks

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs has approved the final draft of the “Punjab Acid Control Act 2025” — the first-ever comprehensive legislation in the country focused exclusively on regulating the sale, distribution, and use of acid, and deterring acid-related violence.

This landmark law is expected to play a critical role in preventing acid attacks and ensuring accountability at every level of the acid supply chain. The Punjab Home Department has been designated as the administrative body responsible for implementing the act, while formal notification will be issued by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD).

Unlike other provinces, where acid attack cases are dealt with under general laws or through rules framed under other legislation, Punjab has taken the lead in formulating a dedicated and detailed legal framework. Notably, in Sindh, no specific law exists on the subject, and actions are taken under broader provisions, rendering enforcement less effective. The Punjab Acid Control Act 2025 emerges as a private member s bill and is unique in its procedural routeit will be tabled directly in the Punjab Assembly without going through the Cabinet Committee on Legislation or requiring approval from the full provincial cabinet, reflecting both the urgency and bipartisan support for the matter. According to official documents obtained by Jang, the act imposes stringent conditions on the sale of acid, recognizing the role of unregulated acid distribution in the proliferation of chemical assaults. Selling acid without obtaining a valid license from the Deputy Commissionerwho will act as the Licensing Authority under this lawwill be a non-bailable criminal offence, punishable by up to three years in prison along with a monetary fine of up to Rs 500,000. If the fine is not paid, the offender will face an additional three months of imprisonment. Even licensed acid vendors will be held strictly liable for negligence in handling or selling acid, with penalties ranging from a minimum of two years to a maximum of five years in prison and fines between Rs 200,000 and Rs 1 million.

The legislation also includes a pivotal victim-centric provision: in instances where an acid attack occurs as a result of negligence by the acid seller, the seller will be legally bound to compensate the victim. The amount of compensation will be determined by the court under the relevant provision of the act. This move not only tightens the commercial regulation of hazardous substances but also strengthens avenues for justice and restitution for survivors of acid violence.

Under the Punjab Acid Control Act 2025, a license will be mandatory for the sale of 30 highly corrosive and reactive chemicals. These include nitric acid, aqua regia, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, perchloric acid, hydriodic acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, hydrofluoric acid, formaldehyde, chromic acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, amide metal, acetal chloride, anhydrous phenols, caustic soda, carbolic acid, calcium hydroxide, anhydrous halogens, zinc chloride, sodium hypochlorite, caustic potash, dimethyl sulfate, benzyl chloroformate, and sodium hydride. The law outlines strict compliance procedures for acid sellers. Each container must be clearly labeled at the time of packaging, with information including the name and type of the acid, the name, address, and license number of the seller, the quality and quantity of the acid, and its manufacturing and expiry dates. Acid vendors will be required to maintain comprehensive records of all transactions and inventory in a standardized format under Form IV, which must be submitted annually to the licensing authority. Failure to maintain these records or to provide them upon request may result in suspension or revocation of the license. Manufacturers and importers of acid are also brought under the ambit of the new law. They too must apply for and obtain licenses, and they will be subject to the same regulatory oversight as sellers. In case of loss or destruction of the original license, a provision has been made for applying for a duplicate license, which will be reissued only after due diligence and verification by the concerned authority.

The Deputy Commissioner, as the Licensing Authority, will have broad powers under the act, including the ability to suspend or cancel a license based on non-compliance, negligence, or criminal liability. A particularly significant clause of the act states that if a license holder is convicted under sections 332, 336A, or 336B of the Pakistan Penal Codesections which pertain to grievous bodily harm and disfigurement through chemical substancestheir license will be automatically cancelled from the date of conviction.

The act also provides a clear appeals mechanism. If an applicant is denied a license by the Deputy Commissioner, they can appeal the decision to the Divisional Commissioner. Should the appeal be rejected at that level, a final appeal can be made to the Home Secretary Punjab, ensuring procedural fairness and a transparent chain of accountability. In a strategic institutional development, the government has decided to designate the Women Protection Authority as a subsidiary body under the Punjab Home Department to support the implementation and enforcement of the new law. A summary to this effect has already been forwarded to the Chief Minister for approval. The Authority, currently chaired by Member of the Punjab Assembly Hina Pervez Butt, will play a central role in coordinating between the Home Department and law enforcement agencies, particularly in cases of violence against women. This structural change is aimed at strengthening the institutional response to crimes involving acid attacks and chemical assaults, which disproportionately affect women. With the integration of the Women Protection Authority into the enforcement framework, the government seeks to ensure that victims receive not only legal redress but also protection, support, and rehabilitation. The passage and implementation of the Punjab Acid Control Act 2025 represents a significant legislative milestone, not just for Punjab but for the entire country. By introducing a meticulously crafted and enforceable legal framework, Punjab has taken a decisive step toward eradicating one of the most horrific forms of violence, while setting a powerful precedent for other provinces to follow. The act sends a strong message: acid attacks will no longer be tolerated under the guise of weak or absent laws, and the state stands ready to protect its citizens through robust legal and administrative action.