A Pakistani couple allegedly beat their 13-year-old maid, Iqra, so badly over stolen chocolate, that she died. Doctors treated Iqra at an area hospital, but she died from her injuries on February 12, 2025. Police arrested her employers, Rashid Shafiq and his wife Sana, on February 18, in connection with Iqra’s death. Posts on social media tagged #justiceforiqra show horrific photos and videos of the child badly beaten, and many don’t understand why.
The BBC reported that a Quran teacher who also worked for the family reportedly took Iqra to the hospital. She allegedly told medical staff that the child’s father had died and her mother did not have anything to do with her. They later learned that was not true. Police told the BBC that it was unclear whether the teacher knew the truth about Iqra’s family or not. Police ultimately arrested the teacher as well.
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When Iqra’s father learned what had happened, he rushed to his daughter’s side. She died moments after his arrival.
15 year old Iqra, domestic worker, was brutally tortured to death over missing chocolate. Her body bore deep cuts, & broken arms. This is not just a crime—it’s a reflection of system that enables rich to treat poor as disposable. 1/2#JusticeForIqra @Taimur_Laal @MehrTarar pic.twitter.com/h6A3qhfDSI
— Sameena Ismail (@sameena_ismail) February 13, 2025
“I felt completely shattered inside when she died,” her father, Sana Ullah, told the BBC.
Ullah told the BBC his daughter began working at age 8 because the family was in debt. Iqra reportedly earned $28 a month working for the Shafiq family, which has eight children.
According to police, a preliminary investigation shows Iqra had likely suffered abuse many times in the past. Her father wants those responsible for his daughter’s death “punished.”
Mango Baaz posted Iqra’s story on Facebook, garnering much attention. The story outraged readers.
One commenter called for the abusers to be punished, writing: “Disgusting!!! May they receive the strongest punishment! It’s better for ppl to have less kids than send them to work in strangers houses at such a young age.”
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Another person agreed and commented: “Are they even humans? Shameful. No child deserve that. May they rot in hell and here in this world as well. Ameen.”
“Wth when will justice be served??” another reader wrote. “These types of incidents are the headlines of many newspapers and articles on a daily basis. Put a stop to child labour and introduce harsher sentencing for abusers.”
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child), or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
