New Delhi: In a heart-wrenching incident that has come to light from Pakistan’s Rawalpindi, a 13-year-old domestic help was allegedly killed by her employers after accusing her of stealing chocolates.
The girl died from severe injuries in the hospital last Wednesday. Initial police probe revealed that she had endured brutal torture before she died, BBC reported. Rashid Shafiq and his wife Sana, who are girl’s employers, and a Quran teacher who worked for the family, have been apprehended. The teacher had taken the girl to the hospital and left after informing the staff that her father had died and her mother was not there.
The incident has triggered public outcry and anger, while the hashtag #JusticeforIqra has garnered tens of thousands of views. The shocking incident has renewed discussions about child labour and abuse that domestic helps are often subjected to across the country.
Child labour laws may be different across Pakistan, but in the country’s Punjab region, children under the age of 15 are banned from being employed as domestic workers.
‘I felt completely shattered inside when she died’
Sana Ullah, Iqra’s father, reportedly said, “I felt completely shattered inside when she died.” Sana Ullah revealed that he got a call from the police about Iqra last Wednesday. When he made his way to the hospital immediately, he found her unconscious on a bed, and she passed away shortly thereafter.
When just 8 years old, Iqra started working as a domestic help. Her father Sana Ullah is a 45-year-old farmer. He said he had no option but to send her to work because of to his financial struggles.
Subjected to constant ill-treatment
The girl worked for as number of employers. Two years ago, Iqra was hired by a couple with eight children, and she earned around $28 a month. The police reported that Iqra had been accused of stealing chocolates by her employers. Initial investigations said that she had been subjected to severe abuse. Authorities also found evidence of constant mistreatment. A post-mortem examination is underway to assess the full extent of the injuries inflicted on her. The police have said that they are waiting for the final medical report.
