Seminary student dies eight days after alleged torture

A 12-year-old student who was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse at a religious seminary in Lahore has died after battling for his life for eight days, prompting his family to demand strict legal action against the seminary teacher they hold responsible.

The deceased, identified as Ali Haider, was a resident of Kot Lingah in Bahawalnagar district and had been studying at a religious seminary on Burq Road in Lahore for the past five months to memorise the Holy Quran.

According to the family, Ali Haider was allegedly beaten by his teacher, Qari Ghulam Rasool, several days ago, leaving him critically injured. They alleged that instead of arranging immediate medical treatment, the seminary administration sent the child back to Bahawalnagar on a passenger bus. His father was informed only that the boy was being sent home, without being told about the seriousness of his condition.

When Ali Haider arrived home, his family said he was in severe pain and bore visible marks of violence on his body. He was immediately shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Bahawalnagar, where doctors admitted him in critical condition.

The family claimed the child had sustained multiple fractures in his arms and legs, along with injuries to other parts of his body. Despite remaining under treatment for eight days, he succumbed to his injuries.

Speaking to the media, the boy's father alleged that his son's death was the result of brutal torture. He said he had enrolled Ali Haider in the seminary to receive religious education and never imagined he would return home in such a condition. He also claimed that timely medical treatment could have saved his son's life.

The grieving father appealed to the Punjab government, the Chief Minister, the Inspector General of Police and other authorities to order an impartial investigation and ensure that Qari Ghulam Rasool and anyone else found responsible are brought to justice.

The incident has sparked grief and outrage in the area, with local residents, social activists and religious leaders calling for strict oversight of religious seminaries and stronger safeguards against corporal punishment in educational institutions.

As of the filing of this report, police had not released any official details regarding the registration of a case, arrests or the progress of the investigation.

The seminary administration and the accused teacher had also not issued any statement.