Gujrat amputation: Boy maimed by landlord to get prosthetic arms

CM offers financial assistance to the boy whose arms were severed by landlord.

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif paid a visit on Friday to 10-year-old Tabassum Shahzad whose arms were severed by a local landlord in Chak Bhola village of Gujrat district. The boy, who is receiving treatment at Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Hospital, was brutally attacked by Ghulam Mustafa, a landlord who had a quarrel with Tabassum’s father over electricity theft earlier in July.

The chief minister met Tabassum for an hour and assured him that prosthetic arms will be arranged for him and treatment offered anywhere in the world. “The person who incapacitated this child is a criminal and deserves the maximum possible punishment,” he said.

The chief minister also met Tabassum’s parents and asked for details about the incident. The parents showed the CM photographs of the severed arms and said their son is now unable to pursue his studies.

Shahbaz gave Tabassum’s parents a cheque for Rs1 million in financial assistance, and said the cost of all treatment, rehabilitation and further education for the child will be covered by the government.

The chief minister assured the boy’s parents that the culprit will be punished and directed the district administration and the management of Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Hospital to provide the best possible treatment.

Meanwhile, the family of a youth who was murdered in Police Station Lari Adda area also appealed to the chief minister at Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Hospital for justice. The chief minister issued orders for further action by police officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2014.