Touqeer Nazir Booked in Child Labour Case After Waseem Abbas Death
Authorities in Multan have initiated legal proceedings under child labour laws against Touqeer Nazir, the key suspect in the death of 15-year-old orphan Waseem Abbas, and Shoaib, the proprietor of the orphanage where Waseem resided. The charges were filed following a complaint by the Labour Department concerning violations related to child labour.
Legal Action Following Tragic Incident
Police have registered separate cases against Touqeer Nazir and Shoaib; the former’s case is being pursued at the DHA Police Station, while the latter is being handled by BZU Police Station. Waseem Abbas, before being placed under Nazir’s supervision to learn electrical work, lived at the orphanage managed by Shoaib. Reports indicate that Waseem was subjected to forced labour while working under Touqeer Nazir as part of his apprenticeship.
Encounter Results in Death of Main Accused
On Wednesday, Touqeer Nazir died in an encounter with Punjab’s Crime Control Department (CCD) in Bahawalpur. Authorities attempted to stop two motorcyclists near Northern Bypass, leading to an exchange of gunfire when the suspects tried to flee. Nazir was killed in the incident, though police have not disclosed further details. Meanwhile, Shoaib remains in custody amid ongoing investigations.
Case Background and National Implications
The situation escalated when Waseem Abbas was fatally struck by a speeding vehicle allegedly driven by Touqeer Nazir in a private housing society in Multan. CCTV footage captured the incident, and Nazir was arrested shortly afterward. Despite being placed under police remand for further investigation, Nazir died before the completion of the custody period.
The case sheds light on troubling issues of child labour and exploitation in Pakistan’s orphanages and informal apprenticeships. It raises important questions about the enforcement of child protection laws and the oversight of institutions caring for vulnerable children. For Pakistani society, addressing such violations is crucial to safeguarding children’s rights and preventing further tragedies like Waseem Abbas’s death.
In his initial statement, Nazir claimed the teenager was leaving work without permission and that the fatal incident occurred as he attempted to stop Waseem, which police contradict after reconstructing the chase and crash leading to the boy’s death.
