Every Pakistani who believes in the equality of gender is proud of Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s Oscar victory. She is the first Pakistani woman film director who has honoured the nation.
Recently the government has enacted a law against acid attackers with 14 years to life imprisonment and Rs one million fine.
Even after this law, incidents of acid attacks have been taking place. It is a test for the government and the law enforcement agencies as to how strictly they implement the law to ensure women protection.
According to the reports of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and other NGOs around two hundred incidents acid attacks take place every year. The government should take steps to control and register the sales of acid in the country. It is heartening to know that Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy has launched a campaign against anti-acid attacks. One must also acknowledge the dedication of British Pakistani Plastic surgeon Muhammad Jawad who helps to restore the victim faces. The other Pakistani plastic surgeons in Pakistan should also follow Dr Jawad’s footsteps to contribute in saving the faces of helpless victims of acid attacks.
S.T. HUSSAIN
Lahore
