Often, we stumble across horrific stories relating to acid attack survivors in Pakistan. It was the countless cases that even drove ace documentary-maker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy to helm Saving Face back in 2012, which centred on the heartbreaking tales and plight of the victims of such heinous crimes. Now, Chief Minister of Punjab, Usman Buzdar, has taken to Twitter to announce the recently-launched Nai Zindagi programme. He wrote, “Nai Zindagi is for all the acid attack victims of Pakistan. We are not only providing free skin grafting treatment but also interest free loans and skill building for livelihood support. They can come to any of our burn units with the copy of an FIR!”
We have recently launched "Nai Zindagi" program for all the acid attack victims of Pakistan. We r not only providing free skin grafting treatment but also interest free loans & skill building for livelihood support.
He can come to any of our burn units with the copy of FIR! https://t.co/H4uOb5YKfo
— Usman Buzdar (@UsmanAKBuzdar) October 8, 2020
Referring to a post uploaded by user Amir Hamza Khan about an acid attack victim, Buzdar added, “Acid attack is a heinous crime and we are taking strict actions against such crimes. Victims of such attacks need physical and mental help to get full rehabilitation. In this regard Nai Zindagi programme will ensure full care of the victims, from all over Pakistan.” Khan posted about Zafar bhai, a rickshaw driver who is currently undergoing treatment following a recent acid attack incident. “This man (Zafar bhai) was a Rikshaw driver. Two female passengers were in his rikshaw in Saddar, Peshawar and were being followed by some men who were teasing those females. He (Riksha driver) resisted them not to do so, and in response they threw ACID on his face,” wrote Khan.
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He added that Zafar bhai lost both his eyes and is currently at Prime Teaching hospital where he will go through surgery in the next two or three days. “He has only 2 daughters, one 8 years old and the other 12 years old. He was still smiling and said that I have hope from Allah and one day I will be able to see again.” Urging people to donate, Khan continued, “He needs our help, kindly donate for him as much as you can. Either contact me or donate to easypaisa Acount # 03088004645 account no MCB:1132762461005036 Branch code# 1263 Surgery cost is about 20k but he needs financial support for him and his family spread the word please.”
