A Christian teenage domestic worker, Muskan, and her family are facing false theft allegations after she accused her Muslim employer, Kamran Haider, of attempting to rape her.
Muskan, 18, recounted the harrowing events of 17 October. Employed at Kamran’s house in Okara, she alleged that Kamran, taking advantage of being alone at home, tried to assault her. “He dragged me into a room, ignoring my cries and pleas to let me go,” Muskan said. The assault was interrupted when Muskan’s mother arrived and knocked on the door, forcing Kamran to release her.
Shaken by the incident, Muskan no longer works at Kamran’s house. However, a month later, on 16 November, Kamran lodged a First Information Report at the local police station, accusing Muskan and her family of stealing. Kamran claimed the theft occurred during Muskan’s employment and alleged that her family had admitted guilt.
Muskan’s cousin, Yasir Masih, refuted these claims, calling them retaliation for the family’s refusal to return her to work. “Kamran had been harassing Muskan from the beginning, but on 17 October, he escalated his actions when his wife, children, and mother were not at home. If her mother hadn’t arrived in time, the situation could have been much worse,” Yasir said.
Despite the accusations, the family hired a lawyer at their own expense to defend themselves in court. The case is currently being heard by Additional Sessions Judge Shahzad in Okara. Meanwhile, a local Muslim businessman who employs Muskan’s brother has testified to the police, vouching for the family’s honesty and integrity.
The family, struggling financially, lives in shared accommodations with relatives. Yasir highlighted the broader implications of the case, pointing out that their Christian neighbourhood of over 80 households typically enjoys peace with the Muslim community. However, incidents like these threaten that harmony.
Kamran Haider, 40, a local lock manufacturer, remains free while the legal battle continues.
“This is not just about a single family,” said Yasir. “It’s about standing up to power dynamics that perpetuate violence and discrimination against vulnerable communities.”
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