Brutal Torture of Domestic Worker in Lahore: A Gross Violation of Human Rights

Lahore, 7 Sep 2024: The International Human Rights Observer (IHRO) strongly condemns the heinous act of brutality against a domestic worker in Lahore, which surfaced today. This incident, reported by Dialogue Pakistan, exposes yet another disturbing case of human rights abuse in Pakistan, highlighting the vulnerability of domestic workers in the country.

According to police, the victim, employed in a private housing society near Lahore’s airport, suffered relentless physical abuse at the hands of her employer in the Askari X area. The employer allegedly beat the victim with sticks and, in a horrific turn, forced her to drink hot water as part of the torture. Neighbors, alarmed by the ongoing abuse, filed a complaint with the Shumali Chowni police station, leading to the arrest of the employer.

The domestic worker, who remains unnamed, was rescued by police and immediately transported to Services Hospital Lahore for medical treatment. Visible marks of torture were found on her body, as confirmed by law enforcement. While a case has been registered, IHRO calls for swift and thorough investigations to ensure the perpetrator faces full legal accountability.

IHRO denounces this appalling violation of human dignity and demands urgent reforms to protect the rights of domestic workers, ensuring they are safeguarded from exploitation and violence. This incident is a stark reminder of the rampant human rights abuses faced by marginalized workers across Pakistan.