Outrage in Pakistan After Death of Child Maid Allegedly Over Chocolate Theft

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A couple in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has been detained on suspicion of murdering a 13-year-old girl, Iqra, who worked as their maid. According to preliminary police investigations, Iqra succumbed to multiple injuries believed to have been inflicted as punishment for allegedly stealing chocolates. The girl died in the hospital last Wednesday, intensifying public outrage under the hashtag #JusticeforIqra, which has circulated widely on social media.

Iqra, who began working at the age of eight to help her debt-ridden family, was reportedly subjected to frequent abuse. Her father, Sana Ullah, expressed devastation over her death, stating she had been tortured and reiterating a demand for justice. Activists have highlighted the systemic issues of child labor and the treatment of domestic workers, with one criticizing the trivial nature of the accusations leading to such violence.

Legal experts warn that, despite public outrage over such cases, they are frequently settled out of court, and successful prosecutions are rare. The International Labour Organisation states that women and young girls make up a significant portion of Pakistan's 8.5 million domestic workers.

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