A young woman, Rashida, died after being allegedly poisoned, tortured and forced to drink acid by members of her husband’s family in Kunjah, Gujrat. Before she succumbed at hospital, she recorded a video statement naming her tormentors as her in-laws.
Police say the accused stripped the woman, filmed her in that state and delayed taking her to hospital. Rashida narrated her ordeal to her brother and to officers before losing her life. A case has been registered, but all nominated suspects have obtained interim bail and the matter is now in court.
Following directions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chairperson Punjab Women Protection Authority Hina Pervaiz Butt rushed to Gujrat and visited the victim’s parents and siblings, conveying the CM’s condolences and assuring the family of full legal and psychological support from the provincial government.
Forcing a woman to drink acid and then filming her humiliation is beyond barbaric, Hina Pervaiz Butt told reporters after the visit, saying she has personally taken up the case. She said she had directed police to conduct lie-detector tests of all accused and to speed up the investigation, adding that no one who harms women will be spared and that making Punjab safe for women is a priority.
SP Investigation Gujrat said police are using every available resource to ensure justice and legal assistance for the family, and vowed that those behind this crime will face the toughest possible punishment under the law.
The Gujrat acid attack has sparked anger across the district, with residents demanding immediate arrests and a public trial of the accused. Authorities say strict monitoring is in place and that gender-based violence cases will be handled under a zero-tolerance policy as the investigation continues.
