Daily Times

Police on Saturday registered an FIR against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Mian Tahir Jamil for allegedly raping a child domestic worker.

The Punjab Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) has submitted an application, demanding an investigation into the incident. Sarah Ahmad, the CPWB chairperson, demanded Jamil’s arrest.

The PML-N lawmaker was booked under Section 34 of the Punjab Destitute and Neglected Child Act and for sexual abuse under Section 377B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

“Section 34 of the PDNC Act is included because it is illegal to keep a minor in custody in the first place,” Sarah Ahmad said.

“Whoever commits the offence of sexual abuse shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to life imprisonment and liable to fine which shall not be less than five hundred thousand rupees or both,” states Section 377B of the PPC.

Section 376 of the PPC – that states that the offence could be punishable by death or life imprisonment – was also incorporated in the police report.

“The rape victim was sent for medical examination on June 26 – the same day that the incident surfaced in the media,” said Ijaz Aslam Dogar, the CPWB district in-charge.

“Along with the medico-legal certificate, the survivor also confirmed that she had been raped twice by the MPA while she was employed in his house. The minor had worked for over six months at his residence,” he added.

The CPWB’s chairperson said that the bureau now had the custody of the minor. “We have been authorised by the parents of the child to keep her and the minor is currently with the bureau,” Sarah Ahmad said.

“MPA Jamil accuses the victim of theft. The CPWB is constantly following up with Faisalabad Police on when the accused shall be arrested. We are going to try and ensure that he is not granted bail,” she said. “To expedite the process, the survivor’s family also approached the city police officer, regional police officer and the sessions’ judge,” she said.

The bureau’s officials maintained that they had been pushing the police for arrest.

“According to Section 164, the police are currently recording the MPA’s statement before the magistrate, but we have asked them to arrest him,” Ijaz said.