MINGORA: A 14-year-old boy was allegedly tortured to death by three teachers at an unregistered madrasa in Chaliyar area of Khwazakhela tehsil in Swat district.
It was learnt that the young student identified as Farhan Ayaz was subjected to severe physical abuse allegedly for absenteeism.
The beating, carried out by madrassa teacher Muhammad Umar, his son Ihsanullah, and another teacher Abdullah, proved fatal. Farhan was rushed to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, but he succumbed to injuries shortly after arrival.
Swat Police spokesperson Moin Fayyaz confirmed the registration of an FIR against the three accused. “One of the suspects, Qari Abdullah, has been arrested,” he said.
“Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining two, who are currently at large,” he added.
The incident sparked widespread anger and grief among residents.
In response, protest demonstrations erupted in both Khwazakhela and Matta tehsils, where hundreds of people blocked main roads and demanded justice for the body.
The protest in Khwazakhela lasted for several hours and ended after negotiations with Assistant Commissioner (AC) Luqman Khan.
In Matta, the main road remained closed to traffic for over two hours as the community called for accountability.
Reacting swiftly, AC Luqman Khan sealed the illegal seminary and announced a crackdown on other unregistered religious institutions operating in the region. “This madrasa was not registered and was operating unlawfully,” he said. “We have sealed it. We’re also coordinating with law enforcement agencies for further legal action,” he added.
The boy’s family said that Farhan had complained several times about being mistreated at the seminary, but his concerns were not taken seriously. “We failed to act on his words,” a grieving family member admitted. The family also criticised the police for naming only three people in the FIR, alleging that another two persons were also involved. “It’s been more than 24 hours since the incident, and the main suspect has yet to be arrested,” they added.
The case has drawn condemnation from religious and human rights circles alike.
Maulana Siddique Ahmed, former coordinator of Wafaq-ul-Madaris in Malakand Division, denounced the incident. “This is a horrifying and shameful act,” he said. “Islam teaches love, mercy, and patience, not violence. Such brutality has no place in any learning environment.”
Maulana Siddique also highlighted the broader issue of unregulated seminaries in Swat, noting that many operate without proper registration or oversight. “Mandatory registration of all madrasas must be enforced,” he urged. “Unregistered institutions pose a serious risk to the well-being of children.”
Human rights organisations expressed concern over the incident. Advocate Samreen Hakeem of the Ewaji Alliance announced that her group would visit the bereaved family to offer condolences and provide legal assistance. “This tragedy reflects a systemic failure to protect children,” she said. “We urge authorities to ensure the harshest punishment for those responsible and to implement stronger safeguards in all religious and educational institutions.”
Published in News Daily on 23 July 2025.
