SUKKUR: A 17-year-old girl suffered severe burns to her face, eyes, chest and arms after a male cousin allegedly doused her with acid at a village in Ghotki district, reportedly because he objected to her family keeping a mobile phone at home.

The attack took place three days ago at the village of Kandho Mahar in the Khanpur Mahar area when the suspect, Miandad Mahar, allegedly entered the home of his maternal uncle, Hazaro Mahar, and threw acid on the latter’s daughter, Sharman.

The family said that fearing reprisal, they took refuge at the home of a relative, Bashir Mahar, in the neighbouring village of Sathi Mahar. The case drew an official response only after it was reported in local media. Ghotki SSP Anwar Khetran took notice and directed area police to act. SHO Barkat Bhutti led a team to the victim’s location, recorded details and had Sharman transferred to the taluka hospital for treatment.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2026