Bill and resolution against acid attack

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly Women's Caucus has presented a bill and a resolution on the increasing number of acid-throwing cases in the province. Azma Bukhari, convener of the caucus, told Dawn the Acid and Burn Crime Bill differed from existing acid throwing laws in that it demanded the punishment for acid throwing be a death sentence or life imprisonment. The bill is expected to find its way to the standing committee concerned and be passed without any hurdles. The resolution termed acid throwing and burning an act of terrorism against the state and that it should be tried in anti-terrorist courts. "We have had enough of these cases being taken lightly, especially when the plight of the woman who has been burnt is more or less ignored, and the elders or family members sit together and reach a reconciliation where the matter is suppressed," said Bukhari. "We will not stand for this reconciliation or any para-judicial systems that allow for such atrocities against women." Bukhari said the law minister had also given his unofficial approval for the bill and said it was expected to be passed soon hopefully, perhaps by the coming week. The core committee has unanimously agreed upon the resolution.