Punjab Moves Forward with New Bill to Regulate Acid Sales and Curb Attacks

LAHORE: The Punjab Acid Control Bill 2024, designed to protect women from acid attacks, was submitted to the Punjab Assembly on Thursday by PML-N MPA and Chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority, Hina Pervaiz Butt.

The bill aims to regulate the sale and purchase of acid to prevent acid-related violence, which disproportionately targets women. Butt emphasized that once approved, the legislation will be implemented immediately across Punjab.

The proposed bill mandates that all acid vendors must obtain a permit from the licensing authority, which will be overseen by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of each district. The licenses will be valid for two years. Any violations of the law could result in the revocation of the vendor’s license. Failure to secure a license within 120 days of the bill’s enactment will lead to fines and penalties.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the sale of acid to individuals under the age of 18.

The urgency of the bill comes in light of increasing acid attack incidents, including the January assault on a Lahore school teacher, Ayesha, who was attacked by two men on a motorcycle in Shahdara. She suffered severe facial burns and was hospitalized.

The bill is expected to play a pivotal role in controlling the sale of acid and reducing acid attacks across the province.