BAHAWALNAGAR:
A 12-year-old student who was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse at a religious seminary in Lahore has died after fighting for his life for eight days, prompting his family to demand strict legal action against the seminary professor they hold responsible.
The deceased, identified as Ali Haider, was a resident of Kot Lingah in Bahawalnagar district and was studying in a religious seminary on Burq Road in Lahore for the past five months to memorize the Holy Quran.
According to the family, Ali Haider was allegedly beaten by his teacher, Qari Ghulam Rasool, several days ago, leaving him seriously injured. They alleged that instead of arranging immediate medical treatment, the seminary administration sent the child back to Bahawalnagar in a passenger bus. His father was only informed that the boy was being sent home, without being informed of the seriousness of his condition.
When Ali Haider arrived home, his family said he was in severe pain and had visible marks of violence on his body. He was immediately shifted to Bahawalnagar district hospital, where doctors admitted him in critical condition.
The family said the child suffered multiple fractures to his arms and legs, as well as injuries to other parts of his body. Although he remained under treatment for eight days, he succumbed to his injuries.
Speaking to the media, the boy’s father claimed that his son’s death was the result of brutal torture. He said he had enrolled Ali Haider in the seminary to receive religious education and never imagined he would return home in such a condition. He also claimed that timely medical treatment could have saved his son’s life.
The grieving father called on the Punjab government, the Chief Minister, the Inspector General of Police and other authorities to order an impartial investigation and ensure that Qari Ghulam Rasool and anyone else found responsible are brought to justice.
The incident sparked sadness and outrage in the region, with local residents, social activists and religious leaders calling for strict monitoring of religious seminaries and stricter safeguards against corporal punishment in educational institutions.
At the time of filing this report, the police had not released any official details regarding registration of a case, arrests or progress of investigation.
The seminary administration and the accused teacher have also not released any statements.
