IHC seeks ministry’s input on combatting domestic violence

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued a notice to the Ministry of Human Rights and others seeking a detailed reply on how to control domestic violence. The court has also sought suggestions regarding child protection and welfare.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq sought the reply during the plea hearing seeking the dismissal of civil judge Asim Hafeez in the case of torture of a minor maid allegedly at his residence in Islamabad.

State counsel Zohaib Gondal, amicus curiae Zainab Janjua, and representatives of the ministry were present in the courtroom. Advocate Qaisar Imam represented Asim Hafeez and his wife, who is the primary accused in the maid torture case.

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The case made headlines after harrowing visuals emerged of the bruised and battered girl, with her parents alleging that the employers were responsible for the torture. The ensuing public outcry resulted in calls, including a petition, seeking the removal of the civil judge.

Justice Farooq assured the defendant’s lawyer that the outcome of the plea would not impact the hearing of the torture case. “This is a public interest case. It is meant to prevent such incidents in the future,” the jurist said. “We want to highlight the problem not targeting any person.”

The jurist cited the Tayabba torture case of 2016 in which another girl employed by a judge and his wife was tortured. In that case, however, the couple had their sentences slashed by the top court.

“Children should not be used as a source of income,” he said. The defence lawyer said that there should be care centres to prevent children from being forced to work.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2023.