Days after uproar over an acid attack in Quetta, a similar incident has been reported in Karachi where a man, who had allegedly been harassing his neighbour for quite some time, threw acid at her near Korangi Crossing.
According to the survivor, harassment had intensified following a dispute involving water overflowing from the man’s house into her residence. She said she had lodged multiple complaints regarding the recurring water issue but to no avail.
Detailing the attack, the woman said that the suspect, namely Ali, approached her and threw acid when she stepped out of her house on June 21, before fleeing and going into hiding.
The survivor further stated that police initially refused to file an FIR against the suspect, even though a prior case had been registered against him.
Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah took notice of the event and ordered Additional Inspector General (AIG) Azad Khan to submit an immediate report while ensuring swift arrest of the suspect.
The CM also instructed authorities to ensure the victim receives medical treatment and full protection.
Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar also took notice of the incident and sought a separate report from the Korangi senior superintendent of police (SSP). The home minister also ordered the SSP to investigate the delay in FIR and to take strict action based on those findings.
Law enforcement officials stated that raids are underway to arrest the suspect.
It may be noted that the incident comes weeks after a female doctor at the Provincial Civil Hospital in Quetta was seriously injured after a hospital employee threw acid on her. According to police and hospital officials, the victim sustained severe burn injuries affecting approximately 70 percent of her body, including her face, chest, and legs. Following initial treatment, arrangements were made to transfer her to Karachi via an air ambulance.
The suspect escaped the hospital premises immediately after the assault but was later traced by law enforcement to an area where he was attempting to board a bus. Police officials stated that the suspect refused demands to surrender and opened fire on the police party, and he was subsequently killed in the ensuing exchange of retaliatory fire.
