Staff Report

KARACHI: Dead body of Fakhra Younus, an acid attack victim who committed suicide in Italy Saturday, arrived at Karachi airport this afternoon, SAMAA reports on Sunday.

A large number of people from civil society, social and welfare organizations, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) ministers, were present at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport to receive body of Pakistani acid victim who ended her life after twelve-year fight for justice and recovery following the painful experience.

Iconic humanitarian worker Abdul Sattar Edhi also joined the crowd where women were carrying ply cards inscribed with demand of Supreme Court’s suo moto action of the heinous crime rampant in the country.

Italian ambassadors and Tehmina Durrani, the former step mother of Fakhra’s husband, was also present for receiving the body.

Pakistani lawmakers and people from different segments of society have expressed their grief and sorrow over the horrendous incident of suicide.

Fakhra’s Suicide in Italy

The saddening news was reported on Saturday that she has put an end to her life by jumping off sixth floor of her apartment in Italy where she was living as a “civil unacceptable person” after going through the painful experience on May 14, 2000.

She was attacked by her husband Bilal Khar (ex-MPA of the Punjab Assembly and the son of Pakistani politician Ghulam Mustafa Khar), had spilled acid on her face after they split up.

Marriage and Breakup

Fakhra was a resident of Karachi where she met Bilal Khar, in 1998. They tied the knot in 1999; however, the marriage was strongly opposed by his father.

Tussle between the two raised after the couple moved to Lahore where Fakhira was told about Bilal’s previous three marriages.

She spent three years with his husband and then moved back to her parental home. Bilal insisted her not to leave and stay with her but Fakhra had had enough till then.

Almost one week after her departure, Bilal arrived at her home and punished her for the having the courage to leave him.

The horrendous act of acid throwing changed the entire life of Fakhira who lost her beauty and became the ugly queen of clay as the acid melted her face.

Meanwhile, Tehmina Durrani took Fakhira in her custody and gave her the hope to get along. Fakhira was sent to Italy for treatment, where she had 39 reconstructive surgeries. SAMAA