Acid Attack Victim Grateful for Opporutnities it Has Brought

Ten years ago, Julie Aftab was working in Pakistan when a man walked in and asked if she was a Christian three times, when she said yes the third time, he left.

Thirty to forty minutes later he returned and threw battery acid on her, burning the right side of her face and body.

When she tried to run, a second man grabbed her by the hair and together the two men forced more acid down her throat, searing her esophagus.

A crowd was drawn by her screams, and they detained the men, but then released them when they accused her of  insulting Islam.

Hospitals and doctors refused to treat her, as they were threatened with being burnt themselves if they did so. Luckily one doctor had pity on her, and treated her anyways, saving her life.


The acid had burned through the left side of her face, taking an eye, scarring bone, and removing teeth. Whilst she was being treated, neighbors burned the family's home, and they were taken in by a nondemoninational Christian bishop, who contacted Shriners Hospitals for Childern.

They arranged for her to be brought to Houston, Texas and undergo medical treatment. After her arrival a couple in the area took in the girl, who at the time spoke no English.

Since then Julie has undergone thirty-one surgeries, all of which were donated by the doctors. She is studying accounting at University of Houston Clear Lake and is about to undertake her citizenship test.

Julie plans to one day become a pastor, and for the last few years has raised money for a safe house in Pakistan that helps persecuted girls.

Aftab has become grateful for the opportunities she has been presented because of what happened to her.

When asked about the attack she says, "Those people, they think they did a bad thing to me, but they brought me closer to God. They helped me fulfill my dreams. I never imagined I could be the person I am today."