Pakistan Outraged as Child Maid Dies Over Alleged Chocolate Theft
A 13-year-old girl working as a domestic maid in Pakistan has died after allegedly being tortured by her employers—all because of chocolates.
The case has shocked the nation, triggering an outpouring of grief and anger under the hashtag #JusticeforIqra.
Who Was Iqra?
Iqra, a child laborer from Rawalpindi, had been working as a maid since she was eight years old. Her father, Sana Ullah, a poor farmer, sent her to work due to financial hardship.
For just £23 ($28) per month, she worked for a couple with eight children, enduring what police now say was frequent abuse.
“My heart cries tears of blood.” – Activist Shehr Bano on X (Twitter)
The Crime That Shocked Pakistan
Iqra was accused of stealing chocolates, and police say a preliminary investigation confirms she was severely tortured.
- Injuries included multiple fractures in her legs and arms, along with a serious head injury.
- Images reviewed by the BBC revealed signs of long-term abuse.
- She died minutes after arriving at the hospital last Wednesday.
The employers, Rashid Shafiq and his wife Sana, have been arrested, along with a Quran teacher who brought Iqra to the hospital under false pretenses.
Justice or More Impunity?
While public outrage is growing, legal experts warn that justice is rare in such cases. Under Pakistani law, families can forgive suspects in the name of God, often in exchange for financial compensation.
In 2018, a similar child abuse case saw a judge and his wife jailed for torturing a 10-year-old maid—but their sentences were later reduced to just one year.
Child Labor and Domestic Worker Abuse in Pakistan
According to Unicef, around 3.3 million children in Pakistan are engaged in child labor. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) states that 8.5 million domestic workers—mostly women and young girls—face exploitation and abuse.
Activists are demanding stronger protections and strict punishments to prevent further tragedies like Iqra’s.
“She died over chocolate?” – Social media user on X
Will There Be Justice for Iqra?
Iqra’s father is demanding justice, but past cases suggest a long road ahead. Will this tragedy finally bring change, or will another child be next?
For more news on human rights, visit Kenkou Land.
