I had read a long time ago that Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy from Pakistan had won an Oscar, but I never got a chance to watch any of her Oscar-winning documentaries. So, last night, I searched and started watching the documentary Saving Face.
The documentary is about acid attack survivors, specifically women who have been targeted by acid attacks. As soon as this documentary began, the news of Dr. Mahnoor Nasir flashed through my mind. On June 5, 2026, while she was working in a ward at Civil Hospital Quetta, a man threw acid on her face.
The Story of the Documentary
While this story features many female acid attack survivors, two individuals, Zakia and Ruksana, are main story narrators. I mean, their stories are in primary focus. Among them, the narrative that receives the most prominence is that of Zakia, a resident of 'Barakahu'. This area, where I myself have lived, is quite backward.It is situated right on the outskirts of the capital city, Islamabad.
Zakia is a housewife whose husband threw acid on her face after she stopped giving him money for drugs. Zakia husband was unemployed, and he used savings of Zakia for a long time in life. Zakia has children, and the acid attack left her face completely unrecognizable. As a result, whenever she goes out, she wears a veil and dark glasses. She does not want anyone else to see her face, as she believes she no longer looks beautiful. She repeatedly says, Her husband has ruined his life."
Zakia also visits the event of Acid Survivors Foundation of Pakistan, where she meets other women like herself. This event greatly boosts her morale.
Moreover, a British-Pakistani doctor named Dr. Jawad travels from the UK to treat her. Through this treatment, her face is restored to a significant extent, including the application of prosthetics. It enables her to live a relatively normal life once again. While it may not be possible to return her appearance exactly to how God originally created her, it is certainly possible to come very close to that state.
Similarly, there is the story of Rukhsana, from South Punjab, whose husband threw acid on her face, while her sister-in-law threw petrol over her and set fire. She survived, but she is now living in circumstances where she is not even permitted to see her own children. Surprisingly, her husband continues to claim that he never threw any acid or anything else at his wife.
In light of all these stories, Marvi Memon, a member of the National Assembly, resolved to pass strict laws to ensure severe punishment for the perpetrators. Consequently, in 2011, an act was passed known as the "Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act 2011."
Under this new law that was passed in 2011, a criminal who committed acid offenses can face a prison sentence ranging from 14 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment. In accordance with this same law, Zakia’s husband was also sentenced and received two life terms.
That's how the documentary ends!
Although the documentary has ended and even Sharmeen Obaid Chinnoy got an Oscar.
The crime continues in our society. When a woman rejects a man, a common reaction among some men is to attempt to distort her face by throwing acid. Several such incidents have occurred recently. I hope that strict checks and balances are implemented regarding the availability of acid. At the very least, it should only be provided to individuals after verifying their national identity cards and in accordance with established rules and regulations. Above all, there should be severe punishments.
Here's complete documtary
***Rating: 93/100
