By Hyo-Jin Paik
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

LAHORE, Pakistan – Violence against Pakistani women has increased in the past few months.  According to one report, more than 220 women were burned between April and June of this year, leading to the deaths of 40 women in Punjab.  The report also stated that while attacks against women are increasing, the assailants are enjoying impunity.

Although the attacks are not limited to a certain region of Pakistan, the hotspot for these inhumane attacks in the recent years has been Punjab.  Pakistani women who suffer acid burns appear to be those who have broken a social code or “honor,” for example, refusing to marry the man her family has chosen or for running away from unhappy marriages as well as being seen in public with an unrelated man.

Nisha Varia at Human Rights Watch said, “Violence against women in Pakistan is endemic…there are very high rates of domestic violence and incidents like acid attacks.”

Sabira Sultana was burnt by gasoline by her husband (Source: AP)

In an acid attack, acid is thrown onto the face and other body parts of the women.  Such an attack causes severe pain and bodily mutilation, but is commonly practiced in South Asia.  Varia also attributed the frequency of acid attacks to the fact that acid in readily available in Pakistan.

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said there is a great need to foster awareness among the victims to fight for justice so that the culprits are held responsible.  In many cases, even when the attack results in the death of the woman, her family often does not press charges, let alone report the crime.

Although the society does not consider burning women a crime, there is a movement demanding that burn attack cases be registered under the Pakistan Penal Code so that assailants can be found responsible for burning another human being.

Pakistani officials estimated that more than 150 women are burned each year with acid or kerosene, and the actual number of victims is probably much higher.  Luckily a local entrepreneur is raising money for reconstructive surgeries by hiring the victims to work at beauty salons.

For more information, please see:

CTV News – Pakistani charity helps acid-burn victims – 5 July 2009

Daily Times – Female Burn victims require government attention: AGHS – 4 July 2009

The Jerusalem Post – Women in Pakistan face wave of burn attacks – 6 July 2009