Daughter sold: Gambler sells 12-year-old to doctor to settle bet

Mother pays same amount to recover daughter from doctor.

GUJRANWALA: A gambler sold his 12-year-old daughter to work in the house of a local doctor for Rs16,000 to settle his bet. Batti Chowk, Sheikhupura, resident 12-year-old Sameena told the police that her father Sakhawat Ali sold her to a local doctor for Rs16,000 to work as a servant. Sameena said that when her mother found out about the transaction, she paid the doctor the same amount and recovered her daughter.

However, a few days ago when Sameena’s mother was out of the house her father returned her to the same doctor for an amount of Rs12,000.  Sameena ran away from the house, fearing abuse by her employers and reached the Rescue 1122 centre in Gujranwala.

After contacting her home, Rescue 1122 officials contacted the child protection bureau and sent Sameena to their offices. Sameena has told reporters and bureau officials that she does not wish to return home to her father.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2010.