Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

‘Helping survivors of acid attacks is about giving back’

by LAUREN CODLING

AN AWARD-WINNING surgeon known for his work with Pakistani acid attack victims has commended the Hindi film Chhapaak, claiming it could “make a difference” in society.


The film, which features Bollywood star Deepika Padukone in the lead role, depicts an acid attack survivor coming to terms with her injuries. Since Chhapaak’s release last Friday (10), Padukone has garnered widespread praise for her portrayal of Indian activist and survivor Laxmi Agarwal.

Dr Asim Shahmalak, who has travelled numerous times to his native Pakistan to perform free surgery on acid attack victims, believes the film will have a positive influence on the issue. “These kinds of powerful messages coming through a big industry like Bollywood will have an impact and make a difference,” he told Eastern Eye. “I am glad they are using it to touch upon these kinds of incidents. Acid attacks are rife in south Asia and I really appreciate the efforts made by the makers of this film.”

Since he first travelled to Pakistan in 2013 to treat acid attack victims, Dr Shahmalak has helped 26 women and one man who suffered horrific scarring. He has performed numerous hair transplants including work on eyelashes and eyebrows. Every survivor had a story, he said, and each one was devastating.

Niaz Bano, 53, lost her left eye after having acid thrown over her following a row with relatives over her 16-year-old daughter’s wedding. Another woman, Fatima Muneer, a mother of two, was soaked in sulphuric acid following a family feud.

The youngest patient Dr Shahmalak has seen is a four-year-old girl. She had been doused in acid by a family member after she refused to go to school one morning.

“I have heard all kinds of stories and I can’t tell you how terrible I feel for (victims). They are scarred for life and do not feel accepted in society,” he said. “I can’t believe someone could do such a cruel act to another individual.”

Many survivors did not feel they were able to live normal lives, he explained. Some could not secure jobs as they were shunned by society because of their physical appearance and so ended up begging on the streets for money. “Some hide their faces by veils, even to their close family and friends,” Dr Shahmalak added.

Although acid attacks in Pakistan became illegal in 2010, sometimes carrying punishments of life sentences, Dr Shahmalak said many attackers still walked free. Some of those who suffered attacks faced social pressure or emotional blackmail, especially if the perpetrator was a family member, and they were too afraid to go to the police.

The surgeon undertakes annual voluntary trips to Pakistan where he meets patients and shortlists those who he can help. He then returns with his staff from Manchester’s Crown Clinic for approximately five days, performing hair transplants to a number of patients in need.

Despite being approached by more than 80 survivors requesting surgery, many have suffered from such catastrophic injuries that Dr Shahmalak is unable to treat them.

The father-of-two said it was heartbreaking to have to tell someone that he could not offer them help. “It is a shock for them,” he said. “They come with a hope and I want to give them that, to help give them their life back, but sadly, I can’t do that for a majority of patients.”

For his humanitarian work with acid attack survivors, the surgeon was recently honoured by prime minister Boris Johnson with the Points of Light award. It recognises outstanding individual volunteers or people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Although he was “delighted and humbled” by the news, Dr Shahmalak stressed that he did not work with survivors in order to “reap any reward”. Having been brought up and educated in Pakistan, he wanted to give something back to the country he still felt deep ties to, he revealed.

“Since I left the country 30 years ago, I have never worked there,” he explained. “I wanted to do something for the society where I grew up. For me, it was about paying Pakistan back and that is why I decided to do this.”

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less