LAHORE, Nov 18: A girl who was kept chained at her house in Naseerabad by her parents has been freed and given into the custody of a non-governmental organisation, according to the Human Rights Directorate.

HR Directorate spokesman Zia Aftab said Federal Human Rights Minister Syed Mumtaz Alam Gillani had taken notice of the case and ordered a report on the issue. It had transpired that Ms Sonia, a housemaid and daughter of Younas Masih, had fallen in love with a man named Mr Fayyaz and had intended to marry him without the consent of her parents.

The parents, having learned of their daugher’s intention, had kept her chained in her room, allowing her up only to go to the bathroom. Naseerabad SHO Aamir Saleem told Dawn that the girl was produced before a Model Town magistrate where she confirmed illegal detention and torture by her father. — Staff Reporter