ISLAMABAD: MNA Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani has submitted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2026 to the National Assembly Secretariat, seeking stricter punishment for acid attack offenders, including the introduction of the death penalty as the maximum sentence for those convicted of the crime.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend Section 336-B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) by adding capital punishment to the existing penalties for acid attacks. Under the bill, the current provisions of life imprisonment, a minimum sentence of 14 years in prison, and a fine of at least Rs1 million would remain intact.
According to the statement of objects and reasons attached to the bill, acid violence is one of the most brutal, inhumane, and unforgivable forms of crime committed primarily against women. Victims often suffer permanent physical disfigurement, lifelong disabilities, severe psychological trauma, social isolation, and significant economic hardships.
The bill notes that despite the introduction of stringent laws against acid attacks in 2011, incidents of acid violence continue to occur across the country. It argues that the existing legal framework has failed to create an effective deterrent, necessitating tougher punishments to prevent future crimes.
Referring to the recent acid attack on Dr Mah Noor Nasir in Quetta, the proposed legislation states that the incident shocked the nation and underscored the urgent need to further strengthen laws dealing with acid-related offences.
The bill also cites observations made by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which has previously noted that acid attacks can, in certain respects, be considered more heinous than murder because survivors are forced to endure the devastating consequences of the crime throughout their lives.
The proposed amendment aims to provide stronger legal protection to women and other vulnerable segments of society while sending a clear message that acid violence will not be tolerated in Pakistan. It seeks to enhance deterrence, ensure stricter accountability for offenders, and reinforce the state’s commitment to combating gender-based violence.
If approved by Parliament, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2026 would mark a significant shift in Pakistan’s legal response to acid attacks, reflecting growing concerns over the persistent occurrence of such crimes despite existing legislation.
