Pakistan’s youngest MNA moves bill seeking death penalty for acid attack perpetrators

LAHORE: Member of the National Assembly Jamal Raisani, widely recognised as the youngest parliamentarian in Pakistan’s history, has submitted a bill proposing the death penalty as the maximum punishment for acid attack perpetrators.

The move was accompanied by a video message in which Raisani highlighted what he described as a severe imbalance in the justice system, arguing that victims and their families continue to live in fear while perpetrators often do not face strong enough consequences.

“The fear must change sides,” he said, adding that imprisonment alone is not sufficient to deter such acts.

He further stated, “The next time somebody picks up a bottle of acid, they must remember one thing… that the State of Pakistan will come after them with full force.”

Hailing from Balochistan, Raisani’s political journey is closely linked to personal tragedy and public service. He is the son of the late Nawabzada Siraj Raisani, who was killed in a suicide bombing in Mastung in 2018 that claimed nearly 150 lives.

Representing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Raisani was elected to the National Assembly in 2024.

His latest legislative initiative adds to a growing trend of younger lawmakers using social media platforms to directly communicate policy positions and legislative intent, particularly on issues related to gender-based violence and public safety.