KARACHI:
Two weeks ago in Karachi, vision-impaired acid burn survivors stepped onto a runway lined with white light. Guided by choreographer Neera, they walked in Zubair Shah’s Summer Bloom collection at Runway Spring/Summer ’25, drawing applause from the audience.
The segment was part of a collaboration with the Depilex Smileagain Foundation (DSF). “At the Depilex Smileagain Foundation, our mission has always been to restore dignity, confidence, and visibility to burn survivors, through medical and psychological support, as well as by amplifying their voices through powerful storytelling and representation,” said Abdiya Shaheen, the National Coordinator & Outreach Manager for Depilex Smileagain Foundation, in an interview with The Express Tribune, speaking as a spokesperson for Massarat Misbah, the founder.
The stories behind those walks reveal how acid attacks in Pakistan disproportionately affect women .It is the case that 90% of the victims of acid attacks have already faced a form of violence that led to the acid attack. Some of the women had been attacked by rejected suitors; others were teenagers when domestic accidents such as gas cylinder explosions left them with life-altering injuries. “Acid and kerosene oil attacks remain a devastating reality in Pakistan, particularly for women who assert their independence within deeply patriarchal environments,” she said. The Pakistan Penal code’s section 336-B clearly states that perpetrators of acid attacks can face imprisonment for life, alongside a minimum fine of five hundred thousand rupees. However, despite this strict law it remains an issue. Official figures estimate around 200 reported cases every year, but the real number is likely far higher, hidden by stigma.
That is why the idea of appearing on a runway was not easily embraced. “When we first introduced the idea, the reactions were mixed. Some were hesitant, others cautiously hopeful. Many had never imagined themselves in front of a camera, let alone styled in such a powerful way. Yet, as the process unfolded, their confidence blossomed. I vividly recall one survivor saying, ‘For the first time, I was seen not for my scars, but for my soul,’” she said.
For Shah, the collection itself was shaped around their purpose. “His creative sensibility aligned seamlessly with our mission. He understood that this was never just a fashion photoshoot, it was an act of reclamation, a platform for burn survivors to express their individuality, strength, and beauty on their own terms,” she said.
The effort reflects a broader push to integrate vulnerable groups into public culture. “Our partnership with Zubair Shah was only the beginning. We intend to continue working with artists, designers, filmmakers, and storytellers who share our vision of survivor-centered representation,” she said.