A shocking incident of violence against a 14-year-old domestic worker has come to light in Islamabad, leading to public outrage and demands for justice.
The minor, identified as Rizwana, was found severely injured at the residence of Civil Judge Asim Hafeez, who also serves as the administrative officer of the Islamabad Judicial Academy.
Now, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the judge and his wife, Saumya, on the application of the victim’s father, Manga Khan.
According to the FIR, Rizwana was sent to work at the judge’s house through a relative, Chaudhry Mukhtar, with her monthly salary fixed at Rs10,000. The judge’s wife occasionally allowed her to speak with her parents over the phone. However, a recent visit by Rizwana’s parents to the house turned into a horrifying discovery when they found her locked in a room with visible injury marks on her body, face, and arm.
Rizwana disclosed that she endured daily torture at the hands of Saumya, the judge’s wife. Horrified by their daughter’s condition, the father immediately took her back to their home in Sargodha and admitted her to a hospital. As her condition worsened, the doctors transferred her to Lahore General Hospital.
In response to the incident, Islamabad police have assured the public that they are actively pursuing the suspects, Judge Asim Hafeez and his wife, and the case will be thoroughly investigated. Emphasizing that the law applies equally to everyone, the authorities vowed to fulfill all legal requirements.
A team from the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) visited Rizwana at the hospital to offer assistance and support to her and her family. CPWB Chairwoman Sarah Ahmed promised to provide all necessary help in Rizwana’s treatment.
During his visit to the hospital, caretaker Punjab Health Minister Dr. Javed Akram condemned the brutality faced by the domestic worker, stating that she had been subjected to torture for over six months. He assured the public that the perpetrators would face due process under the law, highlighting the urgency of implementing laws concerning child rights.
This disturbing case has sparked widespread condemnation and a growing demand for justice for Rizwana. People from all walks of life are urging the authorities to ensure that the innocent girl receives the best possible medical care and that those responsible for the heinous act are held accountable for their actions.
