The harrowing tale of Rizwana, a young domestic worker allegedly subjected to severe abuse by a judge’s spouse, has taken a hopeful turn as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.
Rizwana, who endured a traumatic period of hospitalization due to the reported abuse, has now found solace at a shelter supported by the Punjab Child Protection Bureau, where she’s resumed her education.
Several months ago, the nation was shaken by Rizwana’s plight when she was admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Sargodha in critical condition, bearing wounds allegedly inflicted by a “blunt weapon,” along with evident burn marks.
Her condition was so severe that medical professionals at the Lahore General Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) feared for her life, drawing widespread concern and sympathy from the public after distressing images of the battered young girl circulated in late July.
As the details emerged, it was revealed that Rizwana had been employed at the residence of a civil judge, and her parents accused the judge’s wife, Somia Asim, of being responsible for the abuse.
Amidst legal proceedings, a District and Sessions Court in Islamabad recently granted bail to Somia Asim, the accused spouse of the civil judge. The bail, approved by Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Haroon, required a bond of Rs100,000, marking a significant development in the ongoing case.
Previously held in judicial remand at Adiala Jail, Somia Asim’s initial bail plea had been rejected by the court, reflecting the gravity of the accusations against her.
Rizwana’s journey from a victim of alleged abuse to someone rebuilding her life and pursuing education represents resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Her story has sparked a broader conversation about the protection of vulnerable workers and the need for accountability in cases of alleged abuse, resonating throughout the nation.
