Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence In Acid Attack Case
The Supreme Court in Islamabad has upheld a life sentence against Abdul Mannan for an acid attack on Iqra Parveen. The court rejected Mannan’s plea to reduce his sentence on grounds of juvenile status.
The three-member bench, comprising Justice Hashim Khan Kakar, Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, delivered a 13-page judgment in the case.
In its ruling, the court stated that juvenility cannot be used as an excuse for brutal, premeditated crimes such as acid attacks. It noted that acid attacks are even more devastating than murder because victims suffer lifelong physical and psychological pain.
The Court Directs Compensation Payment
As part of the judgment, Abdul Mannan was ordered to pay Rs1 million in compensation to Iqra Parveen.
Court Orders Trials To Be Completed Within Four Months
All High Courts were instructed to ensure that trials for acid attack cases are completed within four months. The court also directed these courts to personally monitor such cases.
Government Ordered To Ban Acid Sales
The government was ordered to immediately ban the open sale of acid to the general public and establish a biometric, central digital monitoring system for its purchase and sale. Buyers were required to provide their national identity card details and thumb impressions.
Establishment Of National Rehabilitation Fund
A National Rehabilitation Fund was established for acid attack survivors. The government was directed to bear the full cost of plastic surgery and psychological treatment for victims. Permanently affected survivors were ordered to receive disability certificates, monthly financial assistance and special quotas in government jobs, educational institutions and welfare schemes.
The court also instructed the Registrar to send copies of the judgment to all High Courts, the federal and provincial law departments, the Attorney General and the Advocates General for implementation.