ABBOTTABAD: A large number of people demonstrated here on Friday demanding justice for 13-year-old girl, who was assaulted and brutally murdered in her employer’s home.

The incident took place earlier this month wherein a minor domestic worker was killed after being assaulted. Doctors confirmed that the minor was murdered after assault.

The police have arrested the prime accused, Haris Latif.

The protesters, including leaders from various political and religious parties, condemned it as a horrific tragedy.

The attendees included district Khateeb Mufti Hameedur Rehman Qureshi, MPA Amna Sardar, former MNA Uzma Riaz Jadoon, former district nazim Sardar Sher Bahadur, former tehsil nazim Ishaq Zakaria Advocate, former Jamaat-i-Islami candidate Amjad Khan Jadoon, Hazara Qaumi Mahaz’s Asad Khan Jadoon, Hazara Province Tehreek’s Sultanul Arifeen Khan, social activists Naseer Khan Jadoon, chairman Galiyat Tahaffuz Movement Sardar Mohammad Sabir, lawyers, journalists and people from other walks of life.

The protesters demanded severe punishment for the accused, with some calling for his public hanging.

An action committee presented a resolution to the deputy commissioner, demanding legislation for public hanging, and the application of terrorism laws against the accused.

District Khateeb Mufti Rehman voiced the community’s profound pain, emphasising that the girl’s murder was a great tragedy for society.

MPA Amna Sardar and other prominent leaders demanded justice for the girl.

Deputy commissioner Captain retired Sanaullah Khan acknowledged the public sentiment, stating that the accused would be punished according to the law.

The police have obtained a six-day physical remand of the accused for interrogation. A special investigation team has been formed to expand the probe as DNA samples have been sent for forensic analysis.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025