SAHIWAL: A young man attacked a married woman with acid after she refused to enter into an intimate relationship with him at village 31/14-L, Chichawatni Tehsil, on Monday.

Reports said the woman was heading to the fields to collect fodder for animals when she faced acid attack. The victim, identified as Ishrat Bibi (28), sustained second-degree burn injuries to her chest, abdomen, shoulder and neck.

She was immediately taken by Rescue 1122 to Chichawatni THQ Hospital from where she was referred to Sahiwal Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Suspect Tanvir had been harassing the woman for the past month. She had informed her family who sought the help of the village elders to resolve the issue amicably. However, the youth did not mend his behaviour.

The police have registered a case under section 336B of Pakistan Penal Code against Tanveer Ahmed alias Biloo (29) on the complaint of victim’s brother Mujahid Iqbal.

Ishrat Bibi, a mother of two, separated from her husband two years ago and had been living with her elder brother at village 31/14-L for last one year. She routinely went to the fields to collect fodder for cattle.

About a month ago, Tanveer began harassing her, demanding that she enter into a relationship with him. Ishrat constantly refused and warned him that she would report his behaviour to his family and his father, Gulam Jaffar. Despite this, Tanveer continued to harass her, threatening her with dire consequences.

She reported the matter to her family, who involved his father and village elders in a Panchayat to address the issue. Despite these efforts, Tanveer did not relent.

Three days before the attack, Ishrat confronted Tanveer and insulted him, hoping to put an end to the harassment. In retaliation, the next day Tanveer threw acid on her as she was on her way to the fields. He also recorded a video of her in agony. Ishrat’s clothes and skin were severely burned.

Shahkot Station House Officer Asif Nawaz said police arrested the suspect.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2024