The psychological consequences experienced by acid attack survivors are more painful and difficult to recover from than the physical injuries. Moreover, the long-term treatment of the survivor's mental health via antidepressants, antipsychotics or anxiolytics becomes a significant financial burden. Despite the strict enforcement of laws governing the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act 2011 under the Pakistan Penal Code, around 200 acid attacks per year suggest a need for a stronger legal framework.

Recently, a brutal acid attack on an on-duty doctor in Quetta caused a stir across the country. Social media has been flooded with posts, interviews and public opinion polls. Some doctors have protested and demanded the implementation of adequate safety protocols at their workplaces. Other respondents linked this safety issue as a contributing factor to the increasing brain drain of qualified healthcare providers from Pakistan.

The perpetrator of this heinous crime was killed in a........

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