Peshawar – Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment Malak Liaqat Ali Khan on Wednesday chaired a 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 MPA Asiya Khattak, representatives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women, senior officials of relevant departments and other stakeholders.
Participants were briefed on the proposed legislation, which aims to prevent acid and burn crimes and strengthen protection and support for survivors.
The proposed Bill provides for immediate medical care, psychological support, legal assistance, financial support and social rehabilitation, while outlining institutional responsibilities, victim-protection mechanisms and measures for effective implementation.
Addressing the meeting, Malak Liaqat said protecting women, children and other vulnerable groups remained a key priority of the provincial government.
He said strong and effective legislation was essential to prevent acid and burn crimes, ensure that perpetrators were held accountable and facilitate survivors’ timely access to justice, protection and rehabilitation.
The adviser directed the relevant departments to strengthen the proposed Bill through broad consultations with concerned institutions, legal experts and other stakeholders to ensure that it was comprehensive, practical and enforceable.
He stressed the need for clear provisions on emergency medical care, psychological rehabilitation, legal assistance, financial support and social reintegration to help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity.
Participants presented recommendations on the proposed legislation, which were reviewed in detail. It was agreed that the Bill would be finalised after incorporating input from relevant stakeholders and then processed through the required legislative channels.
Concluding the meeting, Malak Liaqat said the provincial government remained committed to strengthening legal safeguards against acid and burn crimes and ensuring comprehensive support and dignified reintegration for survivors.
