ZIAUDDIN UNIVERSITY SEMINAR - Prof Khalid terms acid attack `heinous crime’

MN Report

KARACHI- A panel discussion titled “Torn Identity - Shout Loud for the Victims of Acid Attacks” was held here under the auspices of Ziauddin University’s Institute of Communication and Media Studies.

The Insiya Syed, photo journalist; Ziauddin University’s Social Sciences’ former dean Prof Tanveer Khalid, renowned psychiatrist Dr Hameeda Jhangda and Jamil Syed were among the panelists.

Narrating story of an acid survivor, 23-year-old Memoona, who is now studying to become a nurse, lost an eye when a boy threw acid on her due to an old family feud, Insiya Syed said we should not sympathize with acid victims as they move beyond the trauma and consoling them time and again will remind them of the pain they are trying to forget about. She said they are stronger than us and want to be involved in the society just like any other person.

The panelists enlightened the role of education and media in creating awareness in masses.

Prof Tanveer Khalid also regarded acid attack as a heinous crime. She proposed people to visit religious scholars and seek guidance and solutions about social issues.

Asked about the psychological problems of perpetrators indulging in such heinous crimes, Dr Hameeda Jhangda replied, some people have psychological issues. They get furious on minor issues like getting rejected and enjoy watching people suffer. Pakistan is not much developed in psychiatry, but patients in the US are placed and treated separately, and are constantly monitored even after their treatment so they cannot harm the society.

Highlighting the importance of religion as a medium of communication, Jamil Syed said we should discuss this issue openly in our religious gatherings, instead of lobbying and sympathizing with the victims.

To a query, Syed said that no religion in this world allows such heinous crimes. Religion is a powerful medium, but it is not utilized properly, he opined.