Couple Arrested for Murdering 13-Year-Old Maid Over Chocolate Theft in Pakistan

A tragic case of domestic worker abuse in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has led to the arrest of a couple suspected of murdering their 13-year-old maid, Iqra, over allegations of stealing chocolate. Iqra, who had been working since the age of eight to support her family in debt, died in the hospital from severe injuries indicative of brutal torture. Initial investigations revealed she had been frequently abused, and her employers, Rashid Shafiq and his wife Sana, along with a Quran teacher who helped transport her to the hospital, have been detained. The incident has sparked outrage online, with the hashtag #JusticeforIqra trending as activists and the public call for accountability and an end to child labor practices. Iqra's father expressed his devastation, highlighting the systemic violence faced by impoverished families. This case has reignited debates on child labor laws in Pakistan, where children under 15 are prohibited from domestic work, yet such practices remain widespread.