Teen’s final video reveals teacher’s threats; FIR registered
LODHRAN:
A 10th-grade student reportedly took her own life after alleged harassment, blackmail and threats by her schoolteacher in the Gogran area of Lodhran.
As per the FIR registered under Section 316 of the Pakistan Penal Code at Qureshiwala Police Station, the accused, identified as Muhammad Saqlain, has been taken into custody, and investigations are underway.
The complaint was filed by Allah Bakhsh, father of the deceased 16-year-old student Dua Zainab.
In his statement, he said that his daughter was a student at a school in Gogran, and was studying in class 10.
He alleged that the school’s chemistry and Arabic teacher, Saqlain, frequently called and messaged Dua on WhatsApp, harassing and blackmailing her.
Distraught and fearing for her and her family’s honour, Dua allegedly consumed toxic pesticide tablets — commonly used to preserve wheat — and ended her life.
Her father held the teacher responsible for her death, demanding strict legal action.
Before her death, Dua Zainab reportedly recorded a video statement in which she named Muhammad Saqlain as the person who was harassing her.
“He gave me two days and said he would come to my house to propose marriage,” she said in the recording. “He harassed me through calls and even called my brother to threaten me. To protect my parents’ honour, I chose to end my life.”
Police have seized the victim’s mobile phone and the video statement and begun an official inquiry.
Allah Bakhsh, speaking through tears, appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Justice of Pakistan and Punjab IG Police Usman Anwar, demanding justice for his daughter and strict punishment for the accused.
“My daughter was intelligent, pious, and prayerful,” he said. “We demand action so that no other girl has to go through what my daughter faced. If justice is not served, more families will suffer.”
He also urged authorities to inspect all schools, ensure proper implementation of school regulations, and hold school owners and principals accountable for the character and conduct of their teachers.
“I will raise my voice on every forum to ensure other girls in our area are protected from predators like Saqlain,” he vowed. “Let Dua’s tragic death serve as a wake-up call. We must act now.”
Article published in the Express Tribune on 1st May 2025
