| Citation(s) |
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| 2026 SLD 3200 2026 SLG 3200 = 2026 SCP 176 |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
Criminal Petition No.1718/2022 (Against the judgment dated 21.11.2022, passed by the Lahore High Court, Lahore Bench in Criminal Appeal No.8321/2020)
Presented By: MR. JUSTICE MUHAMMAD HASHIM KHAN KAKAR MR. JUSTICE SALAHUDDIN PANHWAR MR. JUSTICE ISHTIAQ IBRAHIM
Ms. Tayyaba Munir, Law Clerk
Criminal Petition No.1718/2022 (Against the judgment dated 21.11.2022, passed by the Lahore High Court, Lahore Bench in Criminal Appeal No.8321/2020)
Presented By: MR. JUSTICE MUHAMMAD HASHIM KHAN KAKAR MR. JUSTICE SALAHUDDIN PANHWAR MR. JUSTICE ISHTIAQ IBRAHIM
Ms. Tayyaba Munir, Law Clerk
Abdul Manan @ Imran …Petitioner(s)
VERSUS
The State & another …Respondent(s)
Law: Pakistan Penal Code, 1860
Section: 336-A,336-B
Law: Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898
Section: 544-A
Law: Criminal Law (Second Amendment) Act, 2011
Section: 336-A,336-B
Law: Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021
Section: 9,II,16
Summary This judgment upholds the life conviction and Rs.1,000,000 compensation order against Abdul Manan @ Imran for throwing sulfuric acid on Mst. Iqra Perveen, causing extensive, disfiguring third-degree burns. The court found the ocular, medical and forensic evidence conclusive, rejected the petitioner’s juvenility plea and requests for leniency, and emphasized the need for strict enforcement: speedy trials under the Anti-Rape (Investigation & Trial) Act 2021, stricter regulation/licensing of corrosive substances (citing Punjab Acid Control Act 2025), a national rehabilitation fund, disability recognition and other victim-support measures. Leave to appeal was refused. Core points Case: Appeal against conviction in Sessions Case No.138/ATC/FSD/2019; conviction under Section 336-B PPC for acid attack on 04.09.2019. Outcome: Petition dismissed; life imprisonment confirmed; compensation of Rs.1,000,000 directed under Section 544-A Cr.P.C; recoverable as arrears of land revenue if defaulted. Evidence: Strong ocular testimony, medical reports showing 3rd-degree burns over ~40% of body and destruction of left ear, chemical analysis confirming sulfuric acid; accused apprehended and found with incriminating evidence. Juvenility plea: Rejected — court found premeditation (arrived with can of acid), severity of injuries, post-incident conduct and lack of remorse outweighed youth. Legal characterization: Vitriolage described as an offense worse than murder; intended to cause “social death” and permanent disfigurement. Statutory context: Sections 336-A and 336-B PPC enacted by Criminal Law (Second Amendment) Act, 2011 criminalize hurt by corrosive substances and prescribe minimum 14 years to life plus minimum Rs.1,000,000 fine; Section 336-B non-compoundable. Procedural/administrative recommendations: Strict adherence to statutory timelines for Special Courts under the Anti-Rape (Investigation & Trial) Act, 2021; use of Special Sexual Offences Investigation Units (SSOIUs). Regulatory recommendations: Ban or tightly regulate retail sale of acid, centralized digital licensing/record system (buyer details, biometrics, purpose,…