Maid torture case: Maryam demands strict action against accused

PML-N leader inquires Rizwana’s health, expresses concern over her deteriorating condition

Maryam Nawaz, the Senior Vice President and Chief Organiser of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), visited the Lahore General Hospital to meet Rizwana, a young housemaid who endured severe torture while working at the residence of a civil judge.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, Maryam expressed her concern over Rizwana's deteriorating condition, adding that her body has suffered severe acid burns, resulting in large wounds. Maryam stated that the suspects violently broke Rizwana's arms and also smashed her teeth.

According to the PML-N leader, the young girl revealed that she was beaten with sticks, and her head was struck against a wall. When asked why she didn't speak up about the abuse that had been going on for six months, Rizwana replied that she was threatened with dire consequences if she ever disclosed the violence.

Read more: Rizwana: next 48 hours crucial

“These children are our future, and it is the state's and our responsibility to protect and ensure their education and upbringing,” she added. "It is painful for me to know that there are many Rizwanas who remain silent due to fear, and no one is aware of the atrocities they endure."

PMLN Senior Vice President and Chief Organizer @MaryamNSharif extended her support to Rizwana, a survivor of child abuse, and reassured that no matter how powerful the offender is, he must be punished! pic.twitter.com/iIcxRuf2y4

— PMLN (@pmln_org) August 3, 2023

Maryam urged both the federal and provincial governments to take strong action against the perpetrator responsible for the violence against Rizwana whether it is a judge or someone else.

"I am here at a hospital and will not discuss political matters. My purpose is to bring the injustice faced by Rizwana to the forefront," she further stated.

Domestic violence

Rizwana, a minor housemaid, employed by a civil judge was brought to the District Headquarters Hospital in Sargodha in critical condition reportedly with wounds on her face, head and body that were said to have been caused by a “blunt weapon”. The girl also bore burn marks on her body.

She was later shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Lahore General Hospital, with doctors fearing for the teen’s life.

Also read: ‘Torture’ of child maids lands several in jail

According to hospital sources, she was brought in on July 24.

The Principal of Ameeruddin Medical College/Lahore General Hospital, Prof Al-Fareed Zafar, called an emergency meeting of the Special Medical Board and the members conducted a thorough medical examination of Rizwana.

The doctors believed the wounds were old, due to which the infection in blood had increased, and the complications affected some organs of the body.

The medical board members told the media that the girl had an infection in her lungs which was affecting her breathing.

She had an infection in one lung and blood clots in the other.

Doctors said that the saturation was decreasing due to infection and clots.

Rizwana has been diagnosed with sepsis.

Prof Al-Fareed Zafar said that the girl had been brought to the LGH in a very critical condition where doctors were trying hard day and night to save her life, and in this regard, a special medical board was also formed. The treatment was being monitored.

The principal said Caretaker Health Minister Dr Javed Akram, a renowned physician, was also providing guidance regarding treatment of the girl.