A woman was allegedly doused with acid by her neighbour in Karachi’s Korangi area on June 21, sustaining severe burns, in an incident that has drawn sharp responses from Sindh’s chief minister and interior minister.

The victim, identified as Kiran Khan, alleged that her neighbour, Ali, had been harassing her for an extended period.

She said that as soon as she stepped out of her home on June 21, the suspect threw acid on her, leaving her critically burned.

Kiran Khan also alleged that police had refused to register a case despite her formal complaint.

Taking notice of the incident, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah sought an immediate report from the Additional IG Karachi and directed authorities to arrest the suspect without delay, provide the victim with the best possible medical care, and ensure her full protection.

Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also took strong notice, directing that if a case had not been registered on the victim’s complaint, reasons must be established and legal action taken accordingly.

He ordered that evidence be collected while safeguarding the victim’s dignity.

“Violence against women and crimes such as acid attacks are intolerable,” Lanjar said, adding that a strong challan would be submitted in court to ensure the perpetrator receives punishment in accordance with the law.