There has been increased reporting of cases on the mistreatment of domestic help. Videos and images have surfaced online triggering a massive outcry on social media.
Footage of domestic help brought to restaurants and treated disrespectfully by the employers has emerged in the past. Many a time they are just by standers at lavish gatherings and extravagant meals that are enjoyed by their employers. In fact, there are some places where they aren’t even allowed to enter.
Often, underage children are employed to babysit toddlers or very young infants. These children don’t attend school, becoming bread winners for their family at a very young age. Required to do all their chores, child labor takes away their childhood.
Considering the fact that child labor is unacceptable , the Punjab Government has imposed a ban to hire children below 15 years as domestic workers. The ‘Domestic Workers’ Bill 2018 introduced in December also restricts domestic helpers from working for more than 8 hours a day.
Taking a step further in eradicating the violation of human rights, Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered lifting all kinds of discriminatory sign-boards from public places.
This includes all clubs including Islamabad Club and Gymkhana, which restrict maids and domestic servants from freely moving around.
With the incidents of discrimination against domestic maids and servants becoming a major concern in our society, the action was much needed for the progress of Pakistani society.
While chairing a high-level meeting, PM Khan encouraged the idea of abolishing laws of discrimination which reflect the colonial mindset.
This meeting was also attended by Human Right Minister, Shireen Mazari among other officials. They also discussed the progress towards child labor, domestic violence, and other human rights related issues.
What’s more, Prime Minister Khan has ordered that complete elimination of bonded labor from all parts of the country.
Bureau of Statistics has also been directed to conduct a country-wide survey on Child labor and devise a strategy to elevate children from poverty.
#JusticeforUzma Takes Social Media by Storm
This week, the murder of an 18-year old maid, Uzma has shaken the whole nation after her dead body was discovered from a drain near Iqbal Town in Lahore.
Reportedly, 3 women have been accused of strangling their maid to death.
Police investigation revealed that Uzma belonged from Hanjarwal and was working as a maid in Lahore. She was tortured and murdered by her employers for eating food without permission. Her body was later dumped in a sewerage drain.
The culprits have been arrested by the police and will be presented before the court on 7th February.
This incident has sparked anger amongst citizens who are demanding justice for the 18-year old. Even though the maid couldn’t survive this brutality, they want the culprits to be brought to justice.
Dr. Shireen Mazari, Federal Minister of Human Rights, has also taken immediate notice of the incident.
Minister Human Rights @ShireenMazari1 took immediate notice of it-
SHO thana Iqbal Town was contacted – 3 accused women arrested & FIR against them under section 302 of PPC- charged with murder. Police is doing all to help father of little Uzma. The 3 women are in jail presently https://t.co/voaY6M5Jmr— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 28, 2019
Pakistani celebrities are protesting about this incident on their social media accounts.
The Balaa actress, Ushna Shah took to her social media account and demanded justice for the child.
Imran Abbas also condemned about this incident on his Instagram account.
Mansha Pasha, this news is supremely depressing!
This news about the family brutually murdering their underage house maid is supremely depressing.
Many people will talk about justice and fairness only when it favors them but wont practice it in their own homes. "I want good things but only as long as they benefit me" mentality— manshapasha (@manshapasha) January 29, 2019
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more updates and news!
