The horrific abuse of a 13-year-old Christian girl has once again highlighted the dangers faced by underage domestic workers in Pakistan.
The victim, identified as Zarnab, also known as Noor, daughter of Shariya Bibi from Choti Kalan, District Kasur, was sent seven months ago to work as a domestic helper through an agent at the home of Bao Tariq Gujjar and his wife, Naml Bibi, in Johar Town, Lahore. She was employed for a monthly wage of Rs 15,000.
On 23 January, Zarnab returned home in a state of severe physical and psychological trauma. Her head had been forcibly shaved, and her body showed signs of prolonged torture. She reported repeated beatings, unlawful confinement, humiliation, and deliberate isolation from her family. Zarnab said she was subjected to violence over minor issues and treated in a degrading and dehumanising manner.
According to her account, after initial abuse at the Johar Town residence, she was taken to a second location in Gawalmandi, where her hands and feet were tied. During this assault, Naml Bibi allegedly threatened to kill her and dispose of her body in a sewer.
Her father, Thomas, said that extreme poverty forced him to send his daughter to work to support the family. He described the first month of her employment as normal, but said the abuse began thereafter. He expressed shock and heartbreak at seeing his daughter return in such a condition, emphasising that the accused are influential figures.
Minority rights activist Joseph Janssen confirmed Zarnab’s allegations, stating that she was repeatedly beaten, locked in a toilet for hours, and denied contact with her family, including during Christmas. Janssen pledged to support the family throughout the legal process.
Civil society organisations and human rights advocates have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the accused under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including criminal intimidation, wrongful confinement, causing hurt, and cruelty to a child.