Kenza was brutally tortured for two years, says sister of minor maid

FAISALABAD: The sister of 11-year-old domestic worker Kenza Bashir has alleged that the minor was brutally tortured by her employers for two years.

A native of Samundari, Bashir was subjected to brutal torture by house owners where she worked in Rawalpindi. In a video that went viral a few days ago, she was shown to bear marks of torture from homeowners with a waist belt and rope.

Speaking to Geo News, Kenza’s sister said, “The first year of her employment was fine, however, the homeowners have been beating my sister for the past two years.”

“When the torture escalated she ran away from home and went to the neighbours,” she said

Bashir’s sister added, “This time she did not want to return home and wanted to study.”

Bashir was sent to work three years ago by her father to Rawalpindi for a mere Rs5000 per month salary.
11-year-old domestic worker subjected to brutal torture in Rawalpindi

“Her father signed the bond papers under pressure,” Bashir’s uncle shared.

The family members further said the police have taken the minor and her family to Rawalpindi for further investigation.

On Saturday, Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari took to Twitter to share the details of the case.

"We will be following it to ensure FIR registration and further action. Child is Kenza Bashir. Her father initially denied violence happened. Now an ASI has been suspended for wrong investigation,” Mazari said in her tweet.

"A police team has been sent to Samundri to bring back the child and her parents. After medical examination an FIR will be registered,” the minister stated.

"Army has also been informed as the suspect is an Army doctor. We are keeping a close eye to ensure justice for the little girl.”

Mazari’s response came after a number of Twitter users tagged her in the video and images of the minor girl, and demanded action over it.

Meanwhile, efforts to settle the matter also came to the fore after surfacing of an affidavit by the victim’s father.

It was stated in the affidavit that Bashir was injured while jumping over the gate and that she had been willingly taken to her native town.