Islamabad (Pakistan Desk): The Supreme Court of Pakistan has delivered an important verdict in an acid attack case, upholding the life imprisonment of convict Abdul Manan for throwing acid on Iqra Parveen in Faisalabad, and rejecting his appeal for leniency on the basis of juvenile age.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Khan Kakar issued a 13-page judgment stating that in serious and premeditated crimes, minority cannot be used as a mitigating factor.
The court observed that acid attacks are more painful than murder, as murder ends life once, while victims of acid attacks suffer lifelong trauma and physical agony.
The court also ordered the convict to pay Rs 1 million as compensation to the victim.
In its directions, the court instructed High Courts to ensure that acid attack trials are completed within four months under their supervision. It also directed the government to establish an effective regulatory system including a ban on open sale of acid, biometric controls, and identity-based monitoring.
Furthermore, the court called for the establishment of a national rehabilitation fund for victims, free medical and psychological treatment, special quotas, and monthly stipends for survivors.
The judgment has been circulated to all relevant judicial and government institutions for implementation.