Domestic workers abuse

The abuse of domestic workers has become alarmingly commonplace across Pakistan, with countless cases of mistreatment, violence, and even death emerging regularly. The tragic case of 12-year-old Iqra, who succumbed to injuries allegedly inflicted by her employers, is yet another sad reminder of the unchecked exploitation within this sector. While arrests may follow such incidents, they do little to address the systemic failures that allow such abuse to persist.

Despite the critical role domestic workers play in households across the country, their rights remain largely unrecognised. With an estimated 8.5 million domestic workers in Pakistan - many of whom are young girls - labour protections remain minimal, and enforcement is virtually nonexistent. The informal nature of domestic work, coupled with societal acceptance of child labour, has created an environment where abuse is not just possible but increasingly routine. The issue is not merely of legislation but of accountability. While Pakistan has ratified international conventions against forced and child labour, enforcement mechanisms remain weak. Laws meant to protect domestic workers exist in some provinces, but implementation is sporadic, and violations rarely lead to serious consequences. As a result, workers - especially children - continue to endure exploitative conditions with little recourse. Many domestic workers have reported working in conditions that are unsafe and unsanitary, with little or no legal recourse when subjected to mistreatment.

There must be a fundamental shift in how society perceives domestic work. Employers must be held accountable, domestic workers must be registered and protected under labour laws, and strict monitoring mechanisms must be put in place. Additionally, greater public awareness is needed to challenge the deeply ingrained notion that domestic workers are expendable or undeserving of basic rights. Else, the cycle of abuse will continue, with more innocent lives lost to society's neglect.