Daily Times

With #JusticeforRizwana making rounds on social media, Federal Minister Sherry Rehman raising alarm over the “relief” granted to the suspect during a senate session and Islamabad police constituting a five-member special investigation team, the brutal torture of a teenage girl employed as a domestic worker has finally begun to send shockwaves across the country. But the fact that bloodied, battered images of a minor girl, who might not succumb to her wounds, were the impetus needed to jolt society out of its deep, deep slumber speaks volumes about our overall apathy. Even today, most of the commentary is directed towards satiating the societal appetite for heart-wrenching tragedy. Those who are sitting the influential positions are more interested in passing fleeting remarks or investing in captivating pictorials at the hospital than to be involved in the cumbersome task of legislation. Rizwana’s fractured arms, legs and ribs are all a discomforting reminder of the unsafe conditions forced upon thousands of helpless children, thanks to the abject poverty. The state would have to realise that they have considerably failed a large vulnerable segment of society just because it was too overwhelmed by its politically-tainted agendas.

There is little that law enforcement agencies do to ensure judicial regulations regarding the age of domestic employers. The brutal realities of these children are a grave concern that demands immediate and concerted action from all levels of society. Such cases surface all too frequently and are only addressed on a knee-jerk basis. Simply rallying calls or holding vigils would not do. Society would have to shun the practice of employing underage girls so that no other unfortunate Tayyaba or Rizwana has to fight a battle for life. As always, a great responsibility lies on the shoulders of media organisations. Instead of disrespecting the girl and her family’s privacy, they should direct their attention towards the accused. It is high time we change our approach towards handling delicate matters. *