The horrific killing of a 13-year-old domestic worker in Pakistan has set off national outrage, with social media activists rallying behind the hashtag #JusticeforIqra. The girl, named Iqra, was reportedly tortured and murdered by her employers after she was accused of stealing chocolates.

Iqra had been working as a domestic maid since she was eight years old, a destiny her father, Sana Ullah blamed on poverty. She served in several households for many years before joining the household of Rashid Qureshi and his wife almost two years ago. The couple, who have eight children, paid her father a small amount of 8,000 Pakistani rupees (equivalent to Rs 2,500 INR) per month for her services.

But what was meant to be a job was turned into a nightmare. As reported, the couple's daughter accused Iqra of stealing chocolates, which resulted in unimaginable brutality. Investigations found that she was tied up, assaulted with a rolling pin, and starved of food and water.

Torture and fatal injuries

Authorities found that Iqra had sustained multiple fractures, including on her legs, ankles, arms, and head. A serious skull fracture ultimately resulted in her untimely death. “The victim had multiple fractures; in legs, ankle, arms, and head. All this happened due to a missing chocolate,” a Rawalpindi police spokesperson confirmed to AFP.

A case has been filed against Rashid Qureshi, his wife, and those involved in covering up the crime. They have been charged with murder, torture, and tampering with evidence.

“The beasts tortured my daughter in a way that no human could ever do.” In an interview with the BBC, he added, “I felt completely shattered inside when she died.”

Authorities, such as Pakistan's Child Protection Bureau Chairperson Sarah Ahmad, have noticed the case. Ahmad attested that Iqra underwent prolonged abuse for almost 12 days, with visible injuries across her body.

Child labor crisis in Pakistan

Iqra's death has once again sparked controversy over Pakistan's child labor issue. While hiring children below the age of 15 is prohibited, child labor is widespread because many families are unable to afford their livelihoods. 

UNICEF estimates that nearly 3.3 million children in Pakistan are involved in child labor. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 8.5 million domestic workers in Pakistan are mostly women and young girls.

Exploitation, physical assault, and even sexual assault are prevalent among domestic workers. Because of Pakistan's strict social class system and patriarchal society, victims frequently have no or limited legal options.

The justice system and 'blood money' loophole

Pakistan's judicial system allows families of victims to pardon criminals in grave offenses by paying Diyat, or "blood money," for pardoning suspects. According to legal analysts, this tends to result in injustice since many poor families receive money rather than going to court.

Not the first case of its kind

In 2020, a seven-year-old maid, Zohra Bibi, was reportedly murdered by her employers for allegedly allowing a pet bird to fly away. Her employer, Hassan Siddiqui, had kicked her in the stomach, which proved fatal.

Likewise, in 2018, a judge and his wife were given three years of imprisonment for torturing their 10-year-old maid, Tayyaba. She was discovered with burns, wounds, and an inflamed eye after being thrashed for losing a broom. Their sentences were, however, reduced to one year later.

Even with extensive media coverage and public outcry, legal proceedings against domestic worker abusers frequently conclude with light sentences or out-of-court settlements. Iqra's death has again brought to the forefront the pressing need for reform in Pakistan's justice and labor systems.

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