Pakistani celebrities react as death of 15-year-old Waseem Abbas in Multan sparks calls for justice

The death of 15-year-old Muhammad Waseem Abbas in Multan prompted an outpouring of grief and anger on social media, with Pakistani celebrities and public figures calling for justice and questioning the failure to protect a vulnerable child.

Actors Yumna Zaidi, Mishi Khan, Ahsan Khan, Sehar Khan and Faizan Sheikh and more were among those reported to have reacted to the tragedy, which has also drawn attention to the safety of children sent away from institutional care to learn vocational skills.

The incident has renewed concerns about the treatment of vulnerable children, the responsibilities of those entrusted with their care and the need for accountability when allegations of violence emerge.

According to police, Waseem was an orphan living at an orphanage run by a non-governmental organisation. He had reportedly been sent to learn electrical work under contractor Tauqeer Nazir, who was carrying out work at a private housing society in Multan.

Police said Waseem had been working with the contractor for approximately a week before the incident.

On October 17, following an argument related to work, the teenager allegedly attempted to leave. Investigators said the contractor pursued him in a car and struck him, causing fatal injuries. CCTV footage reportedly showed the boy running away before being hit by the vehicle.

Waseem sustained a severe head injury and died at the scene, according to rescue officials cited in news reports.

Police arrested Nazir and registered a murder case against him and another suspect, identified as Amjad Ali. Investigators also questioned members of the orphanage administration as they examined the circumstances in which Waseem had been sent to work.

The case remains subject to investigation, and the allegations against the suspects must be determined through the legal process.

Among the celebrities reacting to Waseem's death was actor Yumna Zaidi, who shared a response on her Instagram stories as news of the incident spread.

"Fear of Allah? The consequences will be harsh. So do not oppress the orphan. Ad. Duhaa verse. 9", she wrote.

Veteran actor and television host Mishi Khan also expressed anger over the alleged circumstances surrounding the teenager's death. In an Instagram post, she wrote, “Why didn’t he stop the monster who was driving?? And what was the reason that the kid ran from their workplace ??
Our investigation standard needs reforms as there are many glitches".

Her reaction reflected the anger felt by many social media users, who have called for accountability and questioned how a child entrusted to adults for vocational training could find himself in such circumstances.

Actor Ahsan Khan also stressed justice on the matter, taking to his story to add: "True justice demands that the legal system reject all excuses and hold the killer fully acountable under the law to signal that the lives of the weak cannot be discarded by the powerful".

Actor Faizan Sheikh also commented on the state of law and order in the country, writing to his story: "A new low everyday!"

Seher Khan continued, "Honestly, I can't wrap my head around the kind of cruelty people are capable of. This world is becoming so difficult to process".

Actor Faiza Khan further expressed his sentiments to add, "This is what happens in a country where there is no rule of law".

The reactions have added to a broader conversation about the responsibilities of adults and institutions that take on the care of children, particularly those who may lack the financial security or family support needed to protect their interests.

The circumstances of Waseem's case have also prompted questions about how children are selected for placements, whether their working conditions are monitored and what procedures exist for responding when a child reports mistreatment or attempts to leave a workplace.

Police have said they are investigating the case, including the roles of the suspects and the circumstances surrounding Waseem's placement. These questions will need to be addressed through the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.

As the investigation continues, the calls for justice are accompanied by a greater demand: that children entrusted to the care of adults must never be left without protection, oversight or a means of seeking help.