Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment, Malak Liaqat Ali Khan, chaired an important meeting to review the proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Acid and Burn Crimes (Prevention and Rehabilitation) Bill. The meeting was attended by the Secretary of the Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment Department, former Member of the Provincial Assembly Ms. Asiya Khattak, representatives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women, senior officials from relevant departments, and other key stakeholders.
During the meeting, participants received a comprehensive briefing on the proposed legislation. It was highlighted that the primary objective of the Bill is to effectively prevent acid and burn crimes while ensuring the protection of victims’ rights through immediate medical treatment, psychological support, legal assistance, social rehabilitation, and financial assistance. The briefing also covered the various provisions of the proposed legislation, institutional responsibilities, victim protection mechanisms, rehabilitation frameworks, and strategies for its effective implementation.
Addressing the meeting, Malak Liaqat Ali Khan stated that the protection of women, children, and other vulnerable segments of society remains one of the foremost priorities of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He emphasized that strong and effective legislation is essential to prevent heinous crimes such as acid attacks and burn violence, ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, and guarantee timely justice, comprehensive protection, and dignified rehabilitation for survivors.
Malak Liaqat Ali Khan directed the relevant departments to further strengthen the proposed Bill through extensive consultations with all concerned institutions, legal experts, and stakeholders to ensure that it is comprehensive, practical, and effective. He further stressed the need to include clear and robust provisions for emergency medical care, psychological rehabilitation, legal assistance, financial support, social reintegration, and the restoration of survivors to a life of dignity.
The participants also presented their recommendations and suggestions on the proposed legislation, which were reviewed in detail. It was agreed that the Bill would be finalized after incorporating the recommendations of all relevant stakeholders and would then be processed through the necessary legislative procedures for its early enactment in the province.
Concluding the meeting, Malak Liaqat Ali Khan reaffirmed the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives, dignity, and rights of women, children, and other vulnerable individuals. He reiterated that the provincial government will continue introducing effective legislation that not only prevents such crimes but also ensures the comprehensive rehabilitation of survivors and supports their dignified reintegration into society.