Konwal Qayyum, a 29-year-old woman, suffered severe burns on her face after her friend splashed sulphuric acid on her while she was asleep. The attack, allegedly motivated by jealousy, occurred when Qayyum was about to become an air hostess.
According to reports, the attacker did not wish to see Qayyum succeed in her career. The acid attack left Qayyum's face severely disfigured, requiring extensive reconstruction surgery.
Reconstruction Efforts ¶
A team of surgeons, including Dr Aasim Shahmalak from Manchester, worked tirelessly to rebuild Qayyum's face over the course of a decade. They used tissue from her thigh to repair her face and create a new nose.
Dr Shahmalak, a renowned hair transplant surgeon, helped repair Qayyum's eyebrows by grafting hair from the back of her scalp. He also assisted in creating new eyelashes for her left eyelid.
Turning Point ¶
Despite the horrific attack, Qayyum has managed to turn her life around. She has gotten married and is currently planning to undergo further surgery to refine her nose.
The surgeons have done a remarkable job in rebuilding her features. I was delighted to be able to help with her eyebrows and new eyelashes. Also, it was wonderful to hear how she has turned her life around, found happiness and got married - Dr Aasim Shahmalak
Dr Shahmalak also donated 50,000 pounds to support Qayyum and five other women who were victims of acid attacks.
Concerns Over Acid Attacks ¶
The ease with which acid can be purchased on the streets near Qayyum's home raises concerns about the prevalence of acid attacks. According to Dr Shahmalak, five women have been victims of acid attacks, highlighting the need for greater awareness and action to prevent such incidents.
The recovered account cited reporting by Tuko.