A couple in #NortheastPakistan has been arrested in connection with the death of Iqra, a 13-year-old girl, employed as their maid. #RashidShafiq and his wife, #SanaShafiq, were detained on suspicion of murder, while their Quran teacher was also taken into custody, according to a BBC report.
The victim was allegedly tortured to death after stealing chocolate, based on preliminary police findings. She succumbed to her injuries on February 12.
The Quran teacher reportedly brought Iqra to a hospital but left after providing false information about her parents, stating her father was deceased and her mother was absent. It remains unclear whether the teacher knowingly misrepresented the facts.
Iqra’s father, Sana Ullah, a 45-year-old farmer, explained that she worked for the Shafiq family to help repay his debts, earning around $28 per month. He described his devastation upon learning of her death. Police contacted him on February 12, and upon his arrival at the hospital, he found Iqra unconscious; she died shortly afterward from multiple injuries.
Evidence suggests prolonged abuse, with images reviewed by the BBC showing severe fractures in her limbs and a significant head injury. Human rights activist Shehr Bano condemned the violence on social media, lamenting the widespread mistreatment of domestic workers and calling for justice using the hashtag #JusticeforIqra.
Despite the father’s demand for accountability, reports indicate that successful prosecutions in similar cases remain rare. An autopsy will determine the full extent of Iqra’s injuries as investigations continue.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
