Maqsooda Bibi

Maqsooda Bibi

Maqsooda Bibi, a middle aged lady, lives in Lahore. A few years back, her marriage was arranged. One week after the nikah, while preparations were underway for the reception and rukhsati the family came to know that the bridegroom was a murderer and was undergoing the trial on charges of killing a man because of some personal issues. Knowing this, Maqsooda’s parents decided to cancel the reception and demanded divorce from Maqsooda’s husband. He refused and decided to take revenge. One day he came to Maqsooda’s home and knocked on the door. Unfortunately,  Maqsooda opened the door and became the victim of the heinous crime, Her husband took out a bottle concealed in his pocket and threw acid on her face. After that he ran away. Maqsooda’s face, ears and shoulders were severely burnt. She was taken to a nearby clinic for emergency services.

The offended family filed an FIR and pursued the case. The culprit was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment. Maqsooda also got khulla with the help of court.

After her initial treatment when Maqsooda got better, she took the initiative and got trained as an assistant lady health visitor (Assistant LHV). She worked in the field and started earning a decent livelihood. She was happily married again in 1999 and is the second wife of her husband. After a year, she was blessed with a son.

Maqsooda’s scars are not fully healed and doctors have recommended a few more reconstructive surgeries. This will help her to regain her features to near normal. Since she cannot afford the expensive treatment, she contacted DSF and got registered in 2018. While she is undergoing the required surgeries, she also takes interest in learning new skills. Maqsooda attended a one day workshop of baking skills arranged by DSF. She learnt basic skills of baking during the workshop and can bake vanilla cake and cookies.

She is about to reach the retirement age, she has requested DSF to support her to set up a small tuck shop in her house so that she is able to work from home and earn livelihood as an additional support to her family. We urge you to donate generously to help Maqsooda and many other victims like her so that they are rehabilitated to lead a normal life.