Bill seeking death penalty for acid attack convicts submitted in NA

A private member’s bill seeking tougher punishments for acid attacks, including the death penalty, has been submitted in the National Assembly.

Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani submitted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2026, proposing amendments to Section 336-B of the Pakistan Penal Code relating to acid attacks.

The proposed legislation argues that existing punishments have not proven sufficient to deter acid violence, describing such attacks as brutal crimes that leave victims with lifelong physical disabilities and psychological trauma.

Under the bill, existing penalties — including life imprisonment, a minimum 14-year jail term and a fine of Rs1 million — would remain in place, while the death penalty would be added as an additional punishment for convicted offenders.

The bill specifically refers to the recent acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Nasir in Quetta, stating that the incident shocked the nation and highlighted the need for stronger deterrence.

It also notes that the Supreme Court of Pakistan has previously observed that acid attacks can, in some respects, be more heinous than murder because survivors are forced to endure the consequences for the rest of their lives.

The proposed amendment will be taken up for consideration by the National Assembly under the legislative process.