GNV News, 1 July 2026

Gender-based violence remains a serious global issue. Among such violence, acid attacks (assaults involving the throwing of acid) against women can be described as a cruel form of violence that destroys not only the victim’s body but also their human dignity and social existence. Acid attacks are frequently reported in South Asian countries such as Pakistan.

There are no official statistics on acid attacks in Pakistan, but around 200 cases are reported every year, ranging from women pursuing professional careers to transgender women. However, it is pointed out that the actual number of crimes far exceeds the reported cases.

For example, an acid attack case in Balochistan Province, Pakistan, reported in June 2026, in which a 29-year-old female doctor was attacked by a hospital staff member, shows that this kind of violence is still ongoing. The perpetrator died, so the motive has not been clearly established, but it has been reported that she suffered burns over about 13% of her face and body, causing severe damage to her face.

In another case, an acid attack on a transgender woman in Punjab Province in 2025 was reportedly carried out by a young man who had feelings for her and became enraged when she did not respond positively to his advances.

These incidents need to be understood not as isolated crimes, but within the context of social structures. The background often cited includes deeply rooted patriarchy and gender inequality. In South Asian societies, including Pakistan, women who seek activities outside the home such as education or employment can become targets of violence, and acid attacks have been used as punishment or retaliation against women who do not conform to traditional norms.

In recent years, there has been some policy progress, such as stricter regulations on acid sales and tougher penalties. However, the relatively easy access to acid and inadequate enforcement of judicial rulings, even when perpetrators are convicted, make it difficult to deter such acts of violence, and significant challenges remain.

Learn more about Pakistan → “Pakistan’s Hidden Conflict: Balochistan”

Learn more about discrimination against women → “International Reporting on Discrimination Against Women”