By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Authorities have intensified their investigation into the death of a 12-year-old seminary student who allegedly succumbed to injuries after being subjected to severe physical punishment at a religious institution in Lahore’s Barki area. The incident has sparked widespread concern over child safety and disciplinary practices in educational institutions.
According to police officials, the child, identified as Ali Haider, was originally from Bahawalnagar and had been enrolled at a local seminary in Lahore for religious education. Initial findings suggest the student was allegedly punished after failing to attend a Khatm Sharif gathering organized at the institution.
Family members claimed the punishment resulted in serious injuries that left the child critically ill. They said he remained under treatment for several days before losing his battle for life. Relatives further alleged that the severity of the beating caused multiple fractures to his arms and legs, raising serious questions about the treatment he received while under the care of the seminary.
The victim’s family also alleged that instead of arranging immediate medical assistance, the seminary teacher identified as Qari Ghulam Rasool reportedly placed the injured child on a passenger bus and informed his father about his condition afterward. The family maintained that valuable time was lost before the child received proper medical attention, worsening his injuries.
Following the child’s death, his body was shifted to a government hospital, where doctors conducted a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Police officials stated that forensic evidence and the medical report will play a key role in the ongoing investigation and help establish whether the injuries directly resulted from physical abuse.
Based on a complaint submitted by the child’s uncle, Barki Police registered a criminal case against the accused teacher. Investigators have begun collecting witness statements, examining the seminary’s management, and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. Officials said all available evidence would be examined before further legal proceedings are initiated.
Police sources confirmed that efforts are underway to arrest the accused and verify all claims made by the victim’s relatives. Investigators are also expected to question other students and staff members to determine whether similar incidents may have occurred at the institution in the past.
The tragic incident has renewed debate about the protection of children in educational and religious institutions across the country. Child rights advocates have called for stricter monitoring of seminaries and schools, emphasizing that physical punishment should never be used as a disciplinary measure. They urged authorities to ensure transparent investigations and hold those responsible accountable under the law if the allegations are proven.
Legal experts noted that Pakistan’s laws provide protection against violence toward children, and any individual found guilty of causing serious harm to a minor can face severe criminal penalties. They stressed the importance of conducting a fair investigation based on medical evidence, witness testimonies, and forensic findings.
Meanwhile, local residents expressed grief over the young student’s death and urged authorities to strengthen oversight of educational institutions to prevent similar tragedies. Community members said parents should feel confident that their children are safe while pursuing education, regardless of the type of institution they attend.
Police officials reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing and assured the public that all legal procedures will be followed. They added that further action will depend on the findings of the post-mortem report and additional evidence collected during the inquiry, while the victim’s family continues to seek justice for the deceased child.
