The death of 12-year-old Shazia, who worked as domestic help for an affluent Lahore family accused of beating her frequently, is a crime on multiple levels. According to the autopsy report, Shazia died as a result of severe physical torture. The police have now taken into custody the principal accused and three members of his family who were nominated in the FIR, as well as the couple who originally put the family in touch with Shazia. It is hoped that the case is investigated speedily and thoroughly, for delays will cause the young victim’s family further anguish.

Shazia’s death is also a consequence of the state’s failure to protect her interests — she worked for a meagre monthly salary of Rs1,000 and her age meant that she ought to have been protected by the country’s child labour laws. Despite the existence of legislation such as the Employment of Children Act 1991, child labour is on the rise because of increasing poverty. Unless immediate steps are taken to alleviate poverty and promote development on a large scale, many families will continue to have no choice but to set minors to work.

Shazia’s death also serves as a reminder that even carefully drafted bills are ineffective unless passed into law. A case in point is the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, whose coverage extended to domestic servants and would therefore have been applicable to Shazia’s predicament. The bill was passed unanimously by the National Assembly in August and was moved before the Senate in October. However, objections raised by the JUI-F led to the deferment of hearing, and subsequent inaction on the government’s part caused the bill to lapse. Representative of the manner in which Pakistan fails to protect the most vulnerable of its citizens, Shazia’s death ought to serve as a wake-up call.