Fakhra Younus

Fakhra Younus was a Pakistani dancer and writer who became an international symbol for acid attack survivors. Her life changed drastically following a violent assault that left her with severe facial injuries. She eventually moved to Italy to seek medical treatment before her death in 2012.

Career

Younus worked as a dancer in a red-light district within Pakistan. This profession preceded the traumatic events that defined her later life. After her attack, she transitioned into writing to share her experiences with a global audience. In 2005, she published a memoir titled Il volto cancellato, which translates to The Erased Face.

Her story gained immense visibility through media and film. She was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary Saving Face, which was released in 2012. This film explores the reality of acid attacks and helped bring her struggle to the forefront of international conversation. Because of the awareness she helped raise, the frequency of acid attacks has seen a continuous decline.

Personal life

Born in 1979, Younus lived in Karachi during her early years. She met Bilal Khar, the son of former Governor and Chief Minister Ghulam Mustafa Khar, while working as a dancer. The couple remained married for 3 years. However, Younus eventually left him because she claimed he subjected her to verbal and physical abuse.

In May 2000, Younus reported that Bilal Khar visited her and poured acid on her face. This assault occurred while her 5-year-old son from another man was present. Khar denied the accusation by claiming the attacker was a different individual with the same name. He was ultimately acquitted of all charges related to the incident.

Following the attack, Younus underwent 39 surgeries over a 10-year period. Tehmina Durrani, who is the stepmother of Bilal Khar, assisted her by arranging for medical care in Rome, Italy. Although she was initially denied a visa, public pressure allowed her to travel to Italy. While in Rome, she received help from the Italian cosmetic firm Saint Angelic and the NGO Smile Again, which is headed by Clarice Felli.

Tragedy struck again in March 2012 when Younus committed suicide. She jumped from the sixth floor of a building located in Rome. Durrani brought her body back to Pakistan, where it was wrapped in both an Italian and Pakistani flag. The funeral prayer took place at Edhi home in Kharadar, and she is buried in the Defence area of Karachi.

Awards and recognition

The documentary featuring her life, Saving Face, won an Oscar less than one month before her suicide. This achievement highlighted the plight of acid attack victims across Pakistan. The visibility of her case contributed to legislative changes, including the Acid and Burn Crime Bill in 2017. This law provides free medical treatment and rehabilitation for victims who suffer from physical or psychological disabilities.