In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves across Pakistan, a six month pregnant woman named Iqra was brutally tortured and killed by her husband and allegedly other members of her in laws’ family in the Manawala area of Sheikhupura. The violence reportedly began after she visited her maternal home—an act that enraged her husband Zohaib
This heinous act which resulted in the death of both Iqra and her unborn child has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society women’s rights organizations and the general public with many calling for urgent reforms in laws protecting women from domestic abuse .
Incident Overview
Victim Iqra 22 years old and six months pregnant at the time of the assault
Perpetrators Her husband Zohaib has been arrested His father and uncle also suspected in the crime have been granted interim bail
Cause The violence reportedly stemmed from Iqras visit to her mother’s home a common practice that enraged Zohaib and possibly his family
Injuries An autopsy revealed multiple skull fractures trauma to the forehead and at least ten distinct signs of torture It is believed she was beaten with rods and bricks
Unborn Child The fetus perished due to the trauma inflicted on the mother
Medical Efforts Iqra was taken to Lahore General Hospital in critical condition where she succumbed to her injuries after three days of medical care
According to reports from Dialogue Pakistan 24 News HD and other social media sources the case is being investigated under increasing public pressure .
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Timeline of Events
Family Visit Iqra visits her parents home reportedly without her husbands permission
Confrontation Upon return she is subjected to brutal physical violence by Zohaib and allegedly other in laws
Torture She is beaten severely with iron rods and bricks Neighbors reported hearing screams but were too late to intervene
Hospitalization She is taken to General Hospital Lahore in critical condition
Death Both Iqra and her unborn child died due to internal injuries and trauma
Legal Response Zohaib is arrested his father and uncle are granted interim bail until July 17 2025 while the investigation continues
Broader Context of Domestic Violence in Pakistan
This is not an isolated case Just months earlier in Muzaffargarh another pregnant woman eight months along was brutally tortured by her husband and in laws with axes and rods She was later abandoned in a critical state underscoring a chilling trend of increasing violence against pregnant women across Pakistan .
The lack of timely intervention by “authorities and inadequate protection laws has left many women vulnerable in their own homes Social stigma weak enforcement and cultural norms continue to perpetuate cycles of abuse .
Public Outrage and Call for Justice
The public reaction to Iqras death has been one of heartbreak and fury Activists and concerned citizens have taken to “social media and local protests to demand justice Many have pointed out that previous cases like that of a seven month pregnant woman killed in Sheikhupura have seen slow legal progress and little accountability .
Demands from Civil Society
Stricter Legislation Laws need to be amended to provide real time protection to women especially during pregnancy
Speedy Justice Courts must treat domestic violence as a criminal emergency
Victim Support Safe houses trauma counseling and emergency helplines must be made available to abused women
Public Education Campaigns targeting patriarchal attitudes and normalizing respect for womens autonomy are urgently required .
Looking Ahead
Police are still investigating the involvement of Zohaibs relatives and legal experts stress that interim bail should not be equated with innocence Authorities must ensure that justice is swift and comprehensive not just for Iqra but as a precedent for future cases
The government has a moral and legal obligation to act decisively Without sweeping changes to how domestic violence is addressed more women and unborn children may suffer Iqras fate .
Conclusion
Iqras tragic death and that of her unborn child is a glaring indictment of how dangerous it can be for women in abusive households Her story must not fade from memory It should fuel long overdue legal reform societal introspection and most of all action Only then can Pakistan begin to protect its most vulnerable and break the cycle of violence within its homes .