A young woman named Rashida was allegedly poisoned, tortured and forced to drink acid by members of her husband’s family in the Kunjah area of Gujrat. Before she died in hospital, she recorded a harrowing video statement naming her tormentors and recounting how her in-laws stripped her, filmed her naked and delayed taking her to medical care.
Police have registered a case and investigators say all nominated suspects have obtained interim bail and the matter is now in court. The local administration and residents have reacted with outrage to the Gujrat acid attack, with calls for prompt arrests and a public trial. SP Investigation Gujrat said authorities are using every available resource to secure justice and provide legal assistance to the bereaved family.
Following directions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority Hina Pervaiz Butt travelled to Gujrat to meet Rashida’s parents and siblings. She conveyed the chief minister’s condolences and assured the family of complete legal and psychological support from the provincial government, saying the case has been personally taken up by the PWPA.
Hina Pervaiz Butt has directed police to expedite the probe and ordered lie-detector tests for all accused, calling the act of forcing a woman to drink acid and filming her humiliation beyond barbaric. Officials say strict monitoring is in place and that those responsible for gender-based violence in the Gujrat acid attack will face the toughest punishment available under the law as part of a zero-tolerance policy.
