The death of Iqra, a 13-year-old maid in Pakistan who reportedly died from injuries inflicted by her employers, has ignited a fierce debate on child labor and domestic abuse. Public outrage is mounting, highlighting systemic issues related to the treatment of vulnerable workers.
Outrage in Pakistan Over Child Maid’s Death Amidst Allegations of Abuse
Outrage in Pakistan Over Child Maid’s Death Amidst Allegations of Abuse
The tragic case of a 13-year-old girl named Iqra, who died after alleged torture for stealing chocolates, has sparked nationwide anger and calls for justice in Pakistan.
A 13-year-old domestic worker in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has died, reportedly due to abuse from her employers after they accused her of stealing chocolates. The girl, identified by her first name Iqra, succumbed to severe injuries in the hospital after police investigations revealed evidence of torture. Her case has prompted widespread demonstrations and online outrage under the hashtag #JusticeforIqra, emphasizing the dire situation of child labor and the exploitation of domestic workers in Pakistan.
According to her father, Sana Ullah, Iqra had been working since the age of eight to help support her family as they struggled with debt. Her employers, a couple with eight children, reportedly paid her about £23 ($28) a month. The police report indicated that she had suffered frequent abuse, including serious injuries to her limbs and head.
Activists have criticized the system that permits such violence against the vulnerable, questioning how someone could lose their life over something as trivial as a stolen chocolate. Iqra’s tragic death has not only highlighted specific abuse cases but has also sparked conversations about the broader implications of child labor laws in the country which vary significantly by region.
The culprits, Rashid Shafiq and his wife Sana, along with a Quran teacher linked to the family, have been arrested as officials continue to gather evidence. While public sentiment is strong for prosecution, there are concerns about the potential for case settlement due to financial motivations that could lead to forgiveness under Pakistani law. In a similar case from 2018, a judge and his wife saw their sentences for torturing a child maid significantly reduced, highlighting the challenges in holding powerful individuals accountable.
The issue of child labor remains critical in Pakistan, with approximately 3.3 million children involved, according to UNICEF. Women and girls comprise a significant portion of the 8.5 million domestic workers in the country as reported by the ILO. The situation calls for urgent reform and enforcement of child labor laws to protect the rights and welfare of the most vulnerable.
