In brief
13-year-old Iqra's death after alleged torture by her employers highlights the dire issue of child labor in Pakistan, igniting protests and calls for justice.
In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves across Pakistan, a couple in Rawalpindi has been arrested in connection with the death of a 13-year-old girl, Iqra, who worked as their maid. Iqra succumbed to severe injuries in the hospital last Wednesday, following allegations that she was tortured for reportedly stealing chocolates. This incident has ignited public outrage, leading to a surge in online discussions, particularly under the hashtag #JusticeforIqra, as citizens express their anger over child labor practices and the systemic abuse of domestic workers.Iqra’s father, Sana Ullah, conveyed his grief to BBC, expressing disbelief at the brutal circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death. He recounted receiving a call about her condition and rushing to the hospital, only to arrive moments before her untimely passing. Iqra had begun working at a tender age of eight to help alleviate her family’s financial burdens. Her monthly wage was merely about £23 ($28) while working for a couple who already had eight children.According to police, initial investigations into the case indicate that Iqra had suffered ongoing abuse from her employers. Graphic evidence presented showed multiple fractures and serious head trauma. An autopsy is currently underway to establish the full extent of her injuries, while the police await the final medical report.Activists have voiced their heartache and frustration over Iqra's fate, highlighting how trivial disputes can lead to such fatal outcomes. Commentators on social media have raised critical questions about the societal structures that allow for such incidents, emphasizing that the murder reflects a system that disregards the lives of the vulnerable. The couple accused of her murder, Rashid Shafiq and his wife Sana, alongside a Quran teacher associated with the family, have been detained. It remains unclear under what circumstances the teacher brought Iqra to the hospital or whether she was aware of the truth regarding the girl's family situation.Iqra's father demands that justice be served, though historical precedents indicate that many cases like these often culminate in financial settlements rather than genuine accountability. The case serves as a stark reminder of the often unpunished violence faced by domestic workers in Pakistan.Pakistan's struggle with child labor persists, with Unicef estimating that approximately 3.3 million children are engaged in such work across the country, and the International Labour Organisation reports that women and young girls constitute a significant portion of domestic workers in Pakistan's landscape.
