The Oscar that went to Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy in Los Angeles is a first for Pakistan. Chinoy, who dedicated the award to the women of Pakistan, has been internationally recognised in the past.

An editorial in the News International Tuesday said the subjects of her work are often challenging and "her winning documentary is certainly so".

"’Saving face’ documents the fate of women attacked by having acid thrown on them and the work of a British-Pakistani surgeon who performs reconstructive surgery on their appallingly scarred faces," it said.

The editorial said: "Over 100, mainly women and girls, are attacked in this way every year, though civil society groups say the real figure is much higher but many victims and their families choose not to report the crime out of fear or ‘shame’."

It, however, added that although the award is a matter of personal and national pride, "its content is a matter of national shame".

"Pakistan is reportedly the third-most dangerous country in the world for women after Afghanistan and Congo…"

Chinoy made the film about acid attacks, and "in doing so drew back the curtain and exposed this form of misogyny".