Domestic Worker Dies After Alleged Torture in Hafizabad

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A 23-year-old domestic worker in Hafizabad died after allegedly being tortured by his employer, with the incident now under police investigation. The victim, identified as Waseem Riaz, was a resident of Rahgo Sayedan village and had been working at the residence of Syed Najamul Hassan Shirazi in Akhtar Town, Hafizabad.

According to police and local sources, Waseem’s condition worsened after the alleged assault. He was being transported to a hospital in Lahore but died on the way. Before his death, Waseem reportedly gave a dying statement accusing his employer of severely beating him and throwing him onto the roof of the house. In the same statement, he requested that his parents and sisters be looked after.

Police officials said the case is being handled under the supervision of Punjab Inspector General (IG) of Police, the Regional Police Officer (RPO) of Gujranwala, and Hafizabad District Police Officer (DPO) Atif Nazir. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sadar Rana Jamil Qaiser has also been tasked with oversight of the investigation.

Following Waseem’s death, his body was taken to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Hafizabad. However, a post-mortem examination was not conducted at the time. Family members gathered outside the hospital in protest, demanding that the autopsy be carried out to determine the cause of death. They alleged that the delay and failure to conduct the post-mortem could hinder the investigation.

Local reports state that an ambulance remained parked at the hospital while the post-mortem was pending. Social activists in Hafizabad condemned the failure to perform the examination, calling it a serious lapse that could affect the pursuit of justice in the case.

Police have confirmed that a formal case has been registered and that the investigation will follow legal procedures. Officials have assured the victim’s family that the matter will be pursued in accordance with the law.

Further updates are expected as authorities continue inquiries and evidence collection related to the incident.