Punjab province in Pakistan is set to introduce stricter controls on the sale of acid in a bid to reduce attacks on women. The newly proposed Punjab Acid Control Act 2025 aims to safeguard women by regulating sales, ensuring accountability, and restricting access to dangerous substances.
The bill was developed by lawmaker Hina Parvez Butt and mandates that no one can buy or sell acid without a valid license. It also prohibits selling acid to individuals under the age of 18. To further tighten control, all acid containers must display clear information, including warning labels and safety instructions.
Existing acid trade businesses will need to comply by applying for licenses within a month of the law’s implementation. Sellers will also be required to maintain detailed records of their transactions. Penalties for violating the law include up to three years imprisonment and fines as high as $1,780, with harsher sentences if damage results from illegal acid sales.
While acid attacks in Pakistan have decreased over the years, such crimes remain a serious concern, particularly in Punjab, the country’s largest province. Previous efforts, like the 2011 law criminalizing acid violence, have contributed to a notable decline in cases. However, this new bill seeks to eradicate the problem entirely by strictly controlling access to acid.
