'Abused' child maid rescued in Pindi

A 12-year-old domestic worker in the Asghar Mall Scheme area of Rawalpindi's Banni Police Station is alleged to have been severely abused by her employers. Despite the child's condition deteriorating due to the abuse, the employers showed no compassion.

A woman, who taught the holy Quran to children in homes, discovered the abuse when she took the child to the hospital for treatment. The child was found to have signs of severe abuse and injuries.

Upon receiving the report, Rawalpindi's Chief Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani immediately took notice, and police arrested the house owner along with his wife and the woman who brought the child to the hospital. An investigation has been launched, and a team from the Child Protection Bureau in Rawalpindi also visited the hospital.

According to sources, the 12-year-old girl was transferred to the hospital in an unconscious state from Asghar Mall Scheme. Doctors identified signs of abuse and injuries on her body, and they informed the police. CPO Hamdani took immediate action, directing the police to investigate the woman who had brought the child to the hospital.

The woman revealed that she teaches the Quran to children and stated that the child had been working at the home of Mian Rashid. Upon seeing her condition, she brought the child to the hospital.

Following this revelation, the police took swift action, detaining the husband and wife involved in the alleged abuse. Investigations are ongoing, and preliminary inquiries suggest the abuse occurred a few days ago. The child's condition remains critical, and treatment is ongoing. Police reported that the child's father passed away about a month ago, and her mother is currently in mourning.

CPO Hamdani emphasised that child abuse is absolutely intolerable under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He stated that a zero-tolerance policy is in place for such crimes and assured that the perpetrators would face severe punishment. Once the medical examination is completed, a case will be filed against those involved in the abuse of the innocent child.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Child Protection Bureau, Sarah Ahmad, also took notice of the abuse incident involving the young domestic worker, Iqra. A team from the Child Protection Bureau, led by District Officer Rao Khalil Ahmed, visited the hospital to gather information about the case. Sarah expressed her deep concern, calling the abuse of the 12-year-old girl a tragic incident. She confirmed that the child is currently receiving treatment at Holy Family Hospital.

Sarah stated that the employers had subjected the child to abuse for almost 12 days, and there are visible signs of violence on her body. She assured that the Child Protection Bureau would take the child into protective custody and provide all possible support.