Domestic violence survivor Rizwana starts school

LAHORE: Rizwana, a young girl who was brutally abused by the wife of a civil judge in Islamabad, has begun her formal education at a school run by the Child Protection Bureau (CPB) in Lahore.

The CPB chairperson, Sara Ahmed, said that Rizwana was warmly welcomed by the other girls at the school on her first day.

She said that Rizwana will receive regular education as well as vocational training in cooking. She added that Rizwana is also undergoing psychological counseling and medical treatment.

Rizwana was rescued from the house of a civil judge in Islamabad, where she worked as a domestic worker, in December 2022.

She had severe injuries on her head, face and back, inflicted by the judge’s wife. She was taken to Lahore General Hospital from Sargodha, where she had been shifted by her relatives.

Domestic violence victim Rizwana all set to be discharged from hospital

According to the medical report, Rizwana’s wounds were infected with maggots and there were 15 injury marks on her body, including her head. Her internal organs were also affected due to the lack of timely treatment.

The CPB took custody of Rizwana after the hospital authorities informed them about her discharge from hospital.

The CPB filed a case against the judge and his wife under the Child Protection Act and the Anti-Torture Act. The case is still pending in the court.

Rizwana expressed her happiness at joining the school and said that she wanted to become a doctor in the future. She thanked the CPB and the hospital staff for their care and support.