Is There a Patriarchal Desire to Deform Women? And Can Pakistani Women Truly Be Safe?

Mansehra, Pakistan. 2024

By Shaza Tahir

Editor Doug Hemphill

July 17, 2026

Acid attacks are among the most violent forms of assault, leaving victims with horrific and permanent injuries. The corrosive chemicals liquify skin and tissues, often causing severe disfigurement, blindness, hearing loss, and lifelong physical and psychological trauma. Throughout South Asia, acid has been weaponized to torture, publicly shame, and permanently disfigure women who find themselves opposite to their perpetrators.

In one of the latest shocking cases to make international headlines, 29-year-old Dr. Mahnoor Nasir, a resident trainee at Quetta's government-run Civil Hospital, was brutally attacked with acid. The suspect was a fellow employee at the hospital, a operator who was later killed by authorities while attempting to escape.

Ongoing reports indicate that approximately 30% of Dr. Nasir's body sustained acid burns. She was transferred to Karachi to receive further specialized medical treatment, her condition remains unstable.

Common motives behind acid attacks include: rejected marriage proposals, domestic disputes, family conflicts, acts of revenge and jealousy. While each case differ, there is a deep commonality: an inability to accept rejection and a low tolerance for the simple yet complete answer "no", that ultimately results to violence and control of a women's fate.

Pakistan has long faced challenges related to gender inequality. In many communities traditional gender roles continue to shape expectations for women, limiting their autonomy and opportunities. Historically, major life decisions- in particular marriage has often involved a significant family influence or arranged introductions. Additionally cultural and religious expectations have encouraged many women to prioritize caregiving responsibilities within the home, this has resulted in a lower contribution and overall participation of a female presence in educational and the workforce. While the norms are rapidly changing, they do still continue to fuel the reality of many Pakistani women today.

Long-Term Effects of Acid Attacks

• Severe burns and permanent scarring.

• Partial or complete loss of eyesight.

• The need for multiple reconstructive surgeries.

• Long-term psychological trauma.

According to The Punjab Commission on the Status of Women, the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act of 2011 specifically criminalizes acid attacks under Sections 366-A and 366-B of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Minimum punishment: 14 years' imprisonment.

Maximum punishment: Life imprisonment.

The overall security of Pakistani women and children needs to be deeply protected, as society's most vulnerable, their voices tend to be muted. Unfortunately, a high volume of assaults go unreported, leading to the continuation of attacks without a proper punishment placed down. By allowing a fair learning process to be established, one that educates on the utter importance of consent, freedom of choice, and freedom of association, a clearer path to success can be rekindled.

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