A teenage Christian girl who sells flowers and toys to help support her impoverished family was allegedly raped by a rickshaw driver while returning home from work.
Police have registered a case after a 14-year-old Christian girl was allegedly raped while returning home from a commercial market in Rawalpindi.
The girl, a resident of Jaba, sells flowers and toys in Scheme Three Commercial Market to help her family meet its basic household expenses. On 28 August 2026, after spending the day working, she began her journey home at approximately 9 p.m.
According to the complaint submitted by her father, a local rickshaw driver offered to take the girl home. Trusting that she would be taken there safely, she entered his rickshaw.
However, instead of taking her home, the driver allegedly took her to an isolated location near a graveyard, where he sexually assaulted her. He also reportedly threatened her with serious consequences if she told anyone what had happened.
Despite the alleged threats, the girl found the courage to confide in her cousin the following morning. Her cousin informed the girl’s father, who immediately approached the police and sought legal action.
The father submitted a formal complaint at Chaklala Police Station on 29 August. Police subsequently registered First Information Report No. 1255/26 on 30 August under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code. A local rickshaw driver has been named as the accused in the case.
The incident has caused deep concern within the local Christian community and raised serious questions about the safety of children from poor and marginalised families. Instead of being able to concentrate on her education and enjoy her childhood, the girl works in public places to help her struggling family survive. Her difficult circumstances may also make her particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
The family has called for a prompt and impartial investigation, appropriate legal action and protection from any intimidation or pressure. It is also essential that the girl receives confidential medical care, psychological support and effective access to justice.
Authorities must ensure that all medical and forensic evidence is properly collected and preserved and that the investigation proceeds without unnecessary delay.
The girl’s name and identifying details have been withheld to protect her privacy and dignity. The allegations have not yet been proven in court, and responsibility will be determined through the police investigation and judicial process.
