A 15-year-old boy was allegedly deliberately run over and killed by his employer in a private housing society in Multan after attempting to escape workplace abuse and leave his job, police said.
The victim, identified as Waseem Abbas, had been living in an orphanage for five years and had recently begun training as an electrician.
According to Shoaib Haider, general secretary of the orphanage, Waseem had expressed an interest in learning electrical work and was sent to contractor Tauqeer Nazir just six days before the incident.
The incident occurred in the jurisdiction of the DHA police station, where Waseem reportedly suffered fatal head injuries after being struck by a vehicle.
Rescue officials confirmed that the teenager died at the scene. His body was subsequently transferred to Nishtar Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
FIR Alleges Intentional Killing
A first information report (FIR) registered on Monday named Tauqeer Nazir and Amjad Ali as suspects under Sections 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code, concerning murder and acts committed in furtherance of a common intention.
According to the complaint, Waseem had allegedly been subjected to physical violence and death threats while working for the suspects.
The FIR stated that Waseem attempted to escape after deciding to leave his employment, but the two men allegedly pursued him in a Honda vehicle.
Sub-Inspector Liaquat Ali Bhatti, who was patrolling the Royal Orchard area, reported that a man named Mukhtiar Ahmed approached police at approximately 4:35pm and informed them about the situation.
Police subsequently witnessed the teenager running in apparent fear while a Honda vehicle, bearing registration number BVE-474, followed him.
The FIR alleged that the suspects deliberately drove into Waseem, causing his head to strike a pillar outside house 3-A. The impact resulted in catastrophic head injuries and his death at the scene.
Two local residents, Saqlain Raza and Syed Naseem Abbas, were named as witnesses. According to the police report, Waseem had told them shortly before the incident that the suspects intended to kill him and that he was fleeing to save his life.
Main Suspect Arrested, Granted Four-Day Physical Remand
Police arrested Tauqeer Nazir at the scene and seized the vehicle allegedly used in the incident. The second suspect, Amjad Ali, reportedly escaped.
On Tuesday, Tauqeer was produced before Judicial Magistrate Saadia Aslam, who granted police four days of physical remand for further investigation.
During his appearance at the court, lawyers reportedly assaulted the suspect outside the courtroom despite the presence of police personnel.
Investigators are continuing to examine the allegations surrounding Waseem’s death, including claims of workplace violence, threats and the circumstances in which the vehicle struck him.
The case has raised serious concerns about the safety and treatment of vulnerable children placed in vocational training and employment.