'Died for stealing chocolate': Pakistan anger over death of child maid

A couple in northeastern Pakistan has been detained on suspicion of murdering a 13-year-old maid, allegedly for stealing chocolate. This case has once again ignited discussions about child labor and the abuse of domestic workers, drawing widespread attention on social media platforms. The incident highlights the vulnerability of young domestic workers in the region.

The girl, named Iqra, died in a hospital last Wednesday from multiple injuries. Preliminary police investigations indicate that she had been subjected to abuse. The case, which occurred in Rawalpindi, quickly sparked public outcry, with posts bearing the hashtag #JusticeforIqra gaining tens of thousands of views. The public demands a thorough investigation and justice for the young victim.

Laws regarding child labor vary across Pakistan, but in Punjab province, children under the age of 15 are prohibited from being employed as domestic workers. Iqra's father, Sana Ullah, stated that he felt "utterly devastated" upon learning of his daughter's death. He rushed to the hospital after receiving a call from the police, where he found Iqra lying unconscious on a bed, passing away just minutes later. The legal framework needs to be strengthened to protect children from exploitation.

Iqra had been working as a maid since the age of eight. Her father, a 45-year-old farmer, said he sent his daughter to work due to being in debt. After working for several employers, she began working for the couple two years ago, who have eight children of their own. Her monthly income was approximately £23 ($28). This highlights the economic pressures that force families to send their children into labor.

Police stated that Iqra was accused of stealing chocolate from her employers, and initial investigations suggest she suffered abuse. Police also indicated that there is evidence suggesting she was frequently subjected to mistreatment. Images and videos obtained by the BBC show multiple fractures on her legs and arms, as well as severe head injuries. An autopsy is currently underway to assess the full extent of her injuries, and police say they are still awaiting the final medical report. The evidence points to a pattern of abuse and neglect.

Activist Shehrbano Taseer wrote on social media: "My heart is bleeding. How many people are subjected to violence in their homes every day for trivial tasks worth a few thousand rupees? How long will the poor continue to send their daughters to their graves like this?" Others pointed out that her murder was allegedly triggered by such a trivial matter. The incident raises questions about the value placed on human life and the prevalence of violence against vulnerable individuals.

One Pakistani user asked on social media: "She died for chocolate?" Another user said: "This is not just a crime, it reflects a system that allows the rich to treat the poor as expendable." These comments reflect the deep-seated social inequalities and systemic issues that contribute to the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable populations.

Iqra's employers, Rashid Shafique and his wife Sana, along with a Quran teacher who worked for the family, have been arrested. The teacher took Iqra to the hospital and told hospital staff that the girl's father had passed away and her mother was not around. Police stated that it is unclear whether she believed this to be true. The investigation seeks to uncover the full extent of their involvement and motivations.

Iqra's father stated that he wants to see "those responsible for my daughter's death punished." Although such cases often generate strong public protests, they are often settled out of court, and suspects are rarely successfully prosecuted. In 2018, a judge and his wife were sentenced to three years in prison for abusing their then 10-year-old maid, a case that sparked nationwide outrage. However, their sentence was later reduced to one year. The legal system needs to ensure justice for victims of abuse and deter future crimes.

Tayyaba, reportedly suffered serious injuries, and the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences stated that she had burns on her hands and feet. Photos of the girl also showed multiple cuts and bruises on her face and swelling in her left eye. She told prosecutors that she was beaten for losing a broom. Under Pakistani law, victims or their families have the right to forgive suspects in some serious crimes. To do so, they must declare in court that they forgive the suspect "in the name of God." Legal observers say that the main motivation for this "forgiveness" is often economic, and that it is not illegal to make payments to victims. This legal loophole often allows perpetrators to escape justice.

According to data from UNICEF, approximately 3.3 million children in Pakistan are engaged in child labor. Furthermore, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), women and young girls constitute the vast majority of Pakistan's 8.5 million domestic workers. These statistics highlight the widespread prevalence of child labor and the vulnerability of domestic workers in Pakistan, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address these issues.