13-Year-Old Domestic Worker Killed Over Alleged Chocolate Theft
Source: BBC
Published: February 18, 2025, 18:34
Incident Details
A 13-year-old domestic worker, Iqra, was brutally beaten and
later died in a hospital in Rawalpindi, northeastern Pakistan, on Wednesday.
Police investigations revealed that the child was accused of stealing
chocolates, leading to her torture. The employers, a couple, have been arrested
in connection with the incident.
Iqra's body bore multiple signs of physical abuse. The case has
sparked widespread outrage over child labor and the mistreatment of domestic
workers in Pakistan. The hashtag #JusticeForIqra has gone
viral, with thousands of people expressing their anger and demanding justice.
Family's Grief
Iqra's father, Sanaullah, a 45-year-old farmer, told the BBC
that he was completely shattered by his daughter's death. He received a call
from the police on Wednesday and rushed to the hospital, only to find his
daughter unconscious. She passed away minutes later. Sanaullah, burdened by
debt, had sent Iqra to work at the age of eight to support the family.
Iqra had been working for the accused couple for two years,
earning 8,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 3,500 Bangladeshi taka) per
month. The couple has eight children of their own.
Police Investigation
Police stated that Iqra was accused of stealing chocolates from
the house. Initial investigations confirmed that she was subjected to severe
physical abuse. Evidence suggests that Iqra was frequently tortured. Photos and
videos obtained by the BBC show severe injuries, including broken limbs and a
head injury. The exact cause of death will be determined after the autopsy
report is released.
The couple, Rashid Shafiq and his wife Sana, along with their
children's religious tutor, have been arrested. The tutor had brought Iqra to
the hospital, falsely claiming that her parents were not present, and then
left.
Public Outrage and Activism
Human rights activist Shehr Bano expressed her grief on social
media, writing, "My heart is bleeding. How many more children will suffer
violence while working in others' homes? How many more poor families will send their
daughters to their graves like this?"
Many Pakistanis took to social media to express their anger. One
user wrote, "She was killed over chocolates? This is not just a crime; it
reflects a system where the rich can exploit the poor as they please."
Legal Context
In Pakistan, such cases often result in out-of-court
settlements, with very few perpetrators facing justice. In 2018, a judge and
his wife were sentenced to three years in prison for torturing a 10-year-old
domestic worker, but their sentence was later reduced to one year.
Under Pakistani law, victims or their families can forgive the
accused in court by stating, "In the name of Allah, we forgive them."
Legal observers note that financial compensation often plays a significant role
in such decisions, and accepting money is not illegal.
Child Labor in Pakistan
According to UNICEF, approximately 3.3 million children in
Pakistan are engaged in child labor. The International Labour Organization
(ILO) reports that out of 8.5 million domestic workers in Pakistan, the
majority are women and young girls.
Conclusion
Iqra's tragic death highlights the pervasive issue of child
labor and the abuse of domestic workers in Pakistan. While public outrage
continues to grow, systemic changes are needed to protect vulnerable children
and ensure justice for victims like Iqra. The case serves as a grim reminder of
the exploitation faced by millions of underprivileged children in the country.
