The death of a 15-year-old orphan in Multan has sparked renewed calls for stronger child protection measures in Punjab after a contractor allegedly chased and ran over the teenager while he was attempting to escape mistreatment at a worksite.
Waseem Abbas, who belonged to Muzaffargarh and was living at Darul Khuda orphanage in Multan, died on October 19 following the incident in the Royal Orchard housing society. The case has raised serious questions about the safety of vulnerable children placed in employment and the responsibility of institutions tasked with protecting them.
ملتان میں گاڑی سے بچے جو قتل کرنے والے ملزم کو عدالت میں پیش کردیا گیا وکلاء نے خوب تشدد کا نشانہ بنایا https://t.co/tnibkcjtcl
— Adil Nizami (@AdilNizami10) October 20, 2026
The main suspect, contractor Tauqeer Nazir, was arrested at the scene but reportedly escaped police custody during remand. He was subsequently killed in a shootout with the Crime Control Department (CCD) near Bahawalpur on October 21, while his alleged accomplice remains at large.
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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is monitoring the case as authorities face growing pressure to investigate the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and examine possible failures in child protection arrangements.
Teenager Dies While Attempting to Escape Alleged Mistreatment
According to the available account, Waseem was working under contractor Tauqeer Nazir when the incident occurred in Multan’s Royal Orchard housing society.
Rest in peace beautiful soul you were only 15 an orphan with so many dreams and a whole life ahead of you may Allah grant you highest place in jannah may your killers face justice for the innocent life they took you deserved so much better than this cruel world💔 https://t.co/1uBaNQw0s0
— 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐧 (@Madridheen) October 20, 2026
The teenager allegedly attempted to flee after experiencing mistreatment at the worksite. During the incident, Nazir reportedly chased him and ran him over, resulting in his death on October 19.
Waseem’s death has drawn particular attention because he was an orphan living in a care facility, making his circumstances an example of the risks faced by children who depend on institutions and adults for their safety and well-being.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged mistreatment, the nature of Waseem’s employment and the arrangements under which he was placed at the worksite require further investigation.
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The case has also prompted questions about whether adequate safeguards were in place to protect the teenager from exploitation and abuse.
Suspect Arrested Before Escaping Police Custody
Police arrested Tauqeer Nazir at the scene following the teenager’s death. However, the suspect reportedly escaped from police custody while on remand, raising additional concerns about the handling of the investigation.
His escape has placed scrutiny on the circumstances of his detention and the security arrangements in place while he was in police custody.
On October 21, Nazir was killed during a reported shootout with the Crime Control Department near Bahawalpur.
Although his death brings an end to the possibility of prosecuting him for the allegations against him, questions surrounding the teenager’s death and the circumstances of the suspect’s escape remain important.
Authorities will also need to establish the role of any other individuals who may have been involved in the incident.
According to the available information, an alleged accomplice remains at large. His whereabouts and the extent of his involvement have not been established publicly.
Maryam Nawaz Monitors Case
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is monitoring the case, which has drawn attention to the protection of children living in orphanages and other residential care facilities.
The incident has highlighted the need to examine how vulnerable children are placed in employment, who supervises their working conditions and what mechanisms exist to respond when they face abuse.
Children without parental support can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation when they depend on others for accommodation, financial assistance and access to education.
The investigation is expected to face questions about the circumstances in which Waseem was employed and whether the relevant institutions fulfilled their responsibilities towards him.
A thorough examination of these arrangements could help identify gaps in the system and determine whether stronger monitoring and accountability measures are needed.
Orphanage Placements Under Scrutiny
Waseem’s death has also brought attention to the role of orphanages in ensuring that children under their care are not exposed to unsafe working conditions.
Darul Khuda orphanage, where the teenager had been living, has come under scrutiny following the incident.
Questions surrounding the arrangements for his employment have highlighted the importance of transparent procedures whenever children in residential care are placed in work or vocational programmes.
Such arrangements require careful oversight to ensure that children are not exposed to hazardous environments, exploitation or violence.
Child protection advocates have long emphasised the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children through regular inspections, clear reporting procedures and coordination between care facilities and relevant government departments.
In cases involving children who work, authorities must also ensure that employment complies with applicable child labour laws and does not interfere with their education, health or safety.
Calls for Stronger Child Labour Protections
The case has renewed calls for stronger enforcement of child labour laws and more effective protection systems for children living without parental care.
Preventing similar incidents requires more than investigating individual cases after a tragedy occurs. It also requires identifying vulnerable children, monitoring their living and working conditions, and ensuring that allegations of abuse are addressed promptly.
Authorities may need to examine whether existing procedures adequately regulate employment arrangements involving children from orphanages and other residential institutions.
Clear accountability mechanisms could help ensure that care providers, employers and relevant officials fulfil their legal responsibilities.
The case also highlights the importance of accessible complaint channels that allow children to report mistreatment without fear of retaliation.
Questions Remain After Teenager’s Death
Waseem Abbas’s death has become a reminder of the risks faced by children who lack strong family support and depend on others for protection.
While the suspect’s death and the ongoing search for his alleged accomplice form part of the criminal investigation, wider questions remain about the teenager’s placement in employment and the safeguards available to him.
A transparent investigation into the incident, alongside a review of child protection and orphanage placement procedures, could help establish accountability and identify areas requiring reform.
For now, the case has intensified calls for authorities in Punjab to strengthen protections for vulnerable children and ensure that those entrusted with their care are held accountable for their safety and well-being.
