Experts call for societal change to end acid attacks, heal mental trauma of survivors

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jun, 2026) Experts on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need for collective action to promote respect for women and strengthen awareness, noting that acid attacks not only cause severe physical injuries but also deep mental health trauma and long-term psychological suffering.

While speaking to a local media outlet, experts demanded an urgent and uncompromising shift in social behaviour to curb acid attacks and the severe psychological trauma faced by victims, including Dr Mahnoor and other acid attack survivors.

Masarrat Misbah, Founder of Smileagain Foundation, said prevailing societal attitudes toward victims, including Dr Mahnoor and other acid victims, remain deeply disturbing, adding that survivors are often met with judgment, blame and insensitivity instead of support.

Misbah said that although reporting of acid attack cases is increasing and laws are strict, with some cases being resolved within two months, offenders often do not change their mindset.

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Psychiatrist Dr Aysha highlighted the worsening mental health crisis among survivors, noting that acid attacks, including cases like Dr Mahnoor and other victims, inflict severe and long-term psychological trauma that requires continuous therapy, counseling and sustained social support for recovery.

Experts said recent incidents, including the attack on Dr Mahnoor and other acid attack cases, expose a deeply rooted societal failure and highlight the urgent need for collective responsibility and stronger preventive measures at every level.

Experts stressed that such attacks are not only brutal physical crimes but also leave lifelong psychological scars, pushing victims into trauma, fear, and social withdrawal.

Experts urged immediate and large-scale awareness campaigns in educational institutions and communities to promote respect, empathy, and dignity for women.