Maryam Nawaz, the Senior Vice-President of (PML-N) visits 14-year-old Rizwana at General Hospital in Lahore. The girl has been subjected to physical abuse by Somia Asim, the wife of civil judge Asim Hafeez. She is currently receiving medical care at the hospital.
During her visit, Maryam Nawaz was briefed by the hospital’s medical director, Khalid Bin Salman, who conveyed that Rizwana’s condition has improved and she is now out of immediate danger.
Taking this opportunity, Maryam Nawaz underscored the importance of Pakistan’s existing laws aimed at safeguarding the rights of minors. She expressed her concern that if these laws were more effectively enforced, incidents like Rizwana’s alleged abuse could be prevented. Additionally, she highlighted the unfortunate reality that many similar cases often go unnoticed and unreported, emphasizing the need for heightened attention to the welfare of children.
Emphasizing the state’s role in protecting and educating the younger generation, Maryam Nawaz expressed her disappointment over the recent granting of bail to Somia Asim. She suggested that this decision might be linked to Asim’s connection as the wife of a judge.
Earlier this week, a district and sessions court in Islamabad had granted interim bail to Somia Asim, who stands as the primary suspect in the alleged abuse of Rizwana, a young housemaid in their household.
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The incident has ignited a broader societal conversation in Pakistan about the treatment of domestic workers and the imperative of enforcing legislation to uphold their rights. Maryam Nawaz’s visit and her vocal stance on the issue add a significant political dimension to the ongoing discourse.
As investigations continue, Rizwana’s case brings attention to the vulnerabilities faced by domestic workers and underscores the challenges in ensuring their safety and well-being within the framework of Pakistan’s legal system.