Police in Lahore arrested a man accused of injuring six people in an acid attack in the city's historic Rang Mahal area on Thursday.
The suspect, identified as Rasheed, allegedly lured the victims by claiming he would offer them Zamzam water before throwing acid at them and fleeing. All six injured men were taken to hospital, with two remaining under medical care.
How did the Lahore acid attack happen?
Rasheed allegedly entered a shop in Rang Mahal carrying two bottles of acid concealed in a bag. He told those present he would offer them Zamzam water, a sacred substance from a well in Makkah considered holy in Islam, before throwing the acid and fleeing. Police said the attack appeared to have been motivated by a personal dispute.
The six injured men were identified as Muhammad Munir, Waheed, Usman, Tahir, Nazim and Ashraf. Police said all victims were out of danger, with two still receiving treatment and the others discharged. Senior police officials ordered an immediate investigation following the incident, leading to the suspect's arrest shortly afterward.
What was the motive behind the Rang Mahal acid attack?
Investigators said Rasheed had been involved in a verbal altercation with some of the victims around five days before the attack. Local shopkeepers intervened at the time and prevented the dispute from escalating, but police believe the suspect later planned the acid attack in retaliation. Authorities said legal proceedings had been initiated and further investigations were continuing.
Acid attacks are a criminal offence in Pakistan under the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act of 2011, which provides for severe penalties including life imprisonment in certain cases.
Pakistan has reported a decline in acid-related violence in recent years following legislative reforms and stricter enforcement. Such attacks continue to draw public concern due to their devastating physical and psychological consequences for victims.
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