Punjab Approves Strict Acid Control Laws

  • Up to 3-year jail, 0.5m fine proposed for acid sale sans licence.
  • Licenced vendors to incur liability for negligence with up to 1m fine.
  • Licence required for sale of 30 highly corrosive, reactive chemicals.

LAHORE: The Punjab government is actively addressing the numerous socio-cultural challenges faced by women in Pakistan by taking a significant stride toward enacting stringent laws against acid attacks.

The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs has given its approval to the final version of the “Punjab Acid Control Act 2025.” This marks a groundbreaking moment as it becomes the first comprehensive legislation in the country specifically designed to regulate the sale, distribution, and use of acid, while also deterring violence related to acid.

This law is poised to be a milestone, expected to significantly contribute to the prevention of acid attacks and ensure accountability at all points within the acid supply network.

According to official documents, the proposed law sets firm restrictions on the sale of acid, acknowledging that the unregulated distribution of acid plays a role in the rise of chemical assaults.

Individuals found selling acid without a valid license from the Deputy Commissioner, who will serve as the Licencing Authority under this law, will face a non-bailable criminal charge. This carries a penalty of up to three years in prison, along with a financial fine reaching up to Rs 500,000.

Those who fail to pay the fine will be subject to an additional three months in jail. Licensed acid vendors will also be held accountable for any negligence in the handling or sale of acid, with punishments ranging from a minimum of two years to a maximum of five years in prison, and fines ranging from Rs200,000 to Rs 1 million.

The Punjab Home Department will oversee the implementation of the act, while the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) will issue the official notification.

According to Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA) Chairperson Hinaz Pervez Butt, this measure represents a major advancement in safeguarding women and vulnerable members of society.

The PWPA head emphasized the critical need for strict regulation of acid sales, noting that the availability of acid in small quantities facilitates its use in attacks.

Butt also stressed the importance of effective follow-up and strict penalties in cases of violence against women, while acknowledging the existing weak implementation of laws. She mentioned that the PWPA has formed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Punjab Prosecutor General office to tackle legal obstacles and expedite justice in such cases.

Butt admitted to delays in treatment and a shortage of adequate healthcare facilities for acid attack survivors. She mentioned ongoing efforts to establish at least one burn unit with sufficient resources in each of the province’s 36 districts to care for acid victims.

Butt highlighted that a first information report (FIR) must be immediately registered, and victims of violence, acid attacks, and rape must receive immediate hospital admission and treatment without delay. This addresses the challenges presented by legal procedures in such instances.

The PWPA chief advocated for a public awareness campaign through curriculum adjustments and other strategies, highlighting that the Punjab Acid Control Act 2025 classifies selling acid without a license as a non-bailable offense.

‘Victim-centric law’

The legislation features a significant victim-centric element: if an acid attack occurs due to the seller’s negligence, the seller is legally required to compensate the victim. The court will determine the amount of compensation under the act’s relevant provision.

This initiative not only increases regulation of dangerous substances in commercial settings but also improves avenues for justice and compensation for acid violence survivors.

As per the proposed law, selling 30 highly corrosive and reactive chemicals will require a license. These chemicals include nitric acid, aqua regia, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, perchloric acid, hydriodic acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, hydrofluoric acid, and formaldehyde.

A license will also be required for selling chromic acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, amide metal, acetal chloride, anhydrous phenols, caustic soda, carbolic acid, calcium hydroxide, anhydrous halogens, zinc chloride, sodium hypochlorite, caustic potash, dimethyl sulfate, benzyl chloroformate, and sodium hydride.

The legislation specifies detailed compliance procedures for acid sellers. Each container must have a clear label at the time of packaging, which includes the name and type of acid, the seller’s name, address, and license number, the acid’s quality and quantity, and its manufacturing and expiration dates.

Acid vendors must keep complete records of all transactions and inventory in a standard format, using Form IV, and submit it to the licensing authority annually.

Failure to maintain these records or provide them when requested may lead to license suspension or revocation. The new law also covers acid manufacturers and importers.

They must also apply for and obtain licenses, and they will face the same regulatory oversight as sellers. If the original license is lost or destroyed, there is a provision to apply for a duplicate license, which will be reissued only after the relevant authority completes due diligence and verification.

PWPA part of enforcement framework

The Deputy Commissioner, in their role as the Licensing Authority, will have extensive powers under the act, including the ability to suspend or cancel a license for non-compliance, negligence, or criminal liability.

A key clause in the act states that if a license holder is convicted under sections 332, 336A, or 336B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) which relate to severe bodily harm and disfigurement using chemical substances their license will be automatically revoked upon conviction.

The act also establishes a clear appeals process. If the Deputy Commissioner denies an applicant a license, they can appeal to the Divisional Commissioner.

If the appeal is rejected at that level, a final appeal can be made to the Home Secretary Punjab, ensuring procedural fairness and a transparent accountability chain. The government has decided to designate the Women Protection Authority as a subsidiary body under the Punjab Home Department to assist in implementing and enforcing the new law, in a move toward strategic institutional development.

A summary to this effect has been sent to the Chief Minister for approval. The Authority, currently led by Butt, will be essential in coordinating efforts between the Home Department and law enforcement agencies, especially in cases involving violence against women.

This structural change aims to improve the institutional response to crimes involving acid attacks and chemical assaults, which disproportionately affect women.

By incorporating the Women Protection Authority into the enforcement framework, the government aims to ensure that victims not only receive legal remedies but also protection, support, and rehabilitation. The enactment and implementation of the Punjab Acid Control Act 2025 is a major legislative achievement for Punjab and the entire country.