Acid Attacks in Pakistan — Full Guide

Pakistan records hundreds of acid attacks annually — the actual number is higher because many are unreported. The vast majority of victims are women. The vast majority of perpetrators are men who were rejected.

Why acid attacks happen

The pattern is consistent: a man feels entitled to a woman's attention, affection, or body. She refuses. He destroys her face.

Acid attacks are acts of revenge and control. They say: if I can't have you, I will make sure no one else wants you. They are, in the perpetrator's logic, punishment for female autonomy.

The law

The Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act (2011) and amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code made acid attacks a specific criminal offence with penalties of life imprisonment and fines. The law is a significant improvement. Enforcement and conviction rates remain low.

Survivor support

The connection to Zinaaa

Acid attacks happen most often after rejection. The safer and more accountable the rejection process, the lower the risk of violent retaliation. On Zinaaa: women reject by simply not responding. Matches expire. There is no confrontation. There is no message to screenshot and use as evidence of rejection. The structure protects women at the moment of maximum vulnerability.