piclet.org

Project Description

In the fall of 2009 I left for Pakistan to start a project around acid and kerosene oil burn victims. I worked with a NGO which helps burned women with reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and therapy. There are currently over 400 women waiting for reconstructive surgery after acid attacks in Lahore, Pakistan. Through the foundation I met one woman, Saira who stood out in particular.
Saira was attacked with acid by her husband after refusing to move in with him. After multiple operations, her face still wears horrific scars and will mark the way people see her for the rest of her life.
My aim with this project is to follow these women through a couple of years while they not only rebuild their faces through surgery but also build the courage, hope, acceptance and self-esteem to continue living a life with a disfigured face.

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Acid Crime Prevention Bill- Pakistan

"Pakistan is in the process of passing an Act which is long overdue and which has the potential to limit the number of acid attacks in Pakistan by regulating the sale of acid and ensuring that attackers are punished for their crimes. The Acid Crime Prevention Bill was introduced in 2009 as a result of an acid attack case which was the first of its kind to be taken to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The case involved an acid attack on a 13 year old girl by a man who was enraged after her parents refused to allow him to marry her. The Supreme Court overturned the High Court’s ruling and upheld the verdict of 12 years imprisonment for the accused and compensation for the victim. Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry took a special interest in the case and recommended the introduction of new legislation to regulate the sale of acid and provide for the stricter punishment of attackers. The Acid Crime Prevention Bill has been submitted to the National Assembly of Pakistan for deliberation and finalisation. Visit ASF Pakistan website for further information."