BAHAWALNAGAR:
A 12-year-old student who was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse at a religious seminary in Lahore died after fighting for his life for eight days, prompting his family to demand strict legal action against the seminary teacher they hold responsible.
The deceased, identified as Ali Haider, was a resident of Kot Lingah in Bahawalnagar district and had been studying at 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 several days ago by his teacher, Qari Ghulam Rasool, leaving him seriously injured. They allege that instead of arranging immediate medical treatment, the seminary administration sent the boy back to Bahawalnagar in a passenger bus. His father was only informed that the boy would be sent home, without informing him 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 central hospital, where doctors admitted him in critical condition.
The family claimed that the boy had suffered multiple fractures to his arms and legs, as well as injuries to other parts of his body. Despite remaining under treatment for eight days, he succumbed to his injuries.
Speaking to the media, the boy’s father alleged that his son’s death was the result of brutal torture. He said he had enrolled Ali Haider in the seminary for religious education and never imagined he would return home in such conditions. He also claimed that timely medical treatment could have saved his son’s life.
The grieving father appealed to 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 deemed responsible is brought to justice.
The incident has sparked grief and outrage in the area, where local residents, social activists and religious leaders have called for strict supervision of religious seminaries and stronger safeguards against corporal punishment in educational institutions.
At the time of filing this report, the police had not released any official details regarding the registration of a case, arrests or the progress of the investigation.
The seminary management and the accused professor had also not issued any statement.
