Medical board examines Larkana student tortured by teacher, advises treatment abroad

KARACHI: Larkana Cadet College student Ahmed who was allegedly tortured by his teacher was brought to the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical College (JPMC) for medical examination by a medical board.

The medical board which examined Ahmed said that his throat had been broken at several places. It advised that Ahmed be taken abroad for treatment.

The board added that Ahmed's physiotherapy at a private hospital should continue until arrangements for his travel are made.

The report will be sent to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah today.

On November 8, Geo News aired story of 14-year-old Ahmed who was allegedly strangulated by his teacher leaving him mute and paralyzed.

Ahmed's father Ghullam Ahmed a teacher says that the incident occurred four months ago and a few teachers from his school are responsible for bringing his son to this state. "On August 6 just after school reopened after summer vacations  I received a phone call from station master GM Bhatti saying that my son had suffered fits."

He claims that when he reached the school his son was covered with injuries on his face, chest, head, back and lower limbs.

After failing to get satisfactory treatment from doctors in Larkana he came to Karachi where health experts pointed out that the condition had been caused due to assault.

The Chief Minister on Saturday took notice of the story and said that medical expensed of the child will be borne by the Sindh government. He directed his cabinet that the child be taken abroad for treatment if the need arises.

The health secretary told Geo News that a medical board with an ENT, neurologist, and orthopedic, had been formed to examine the case.

Meanwhile an investigation into the alleged torture has begun, Larkana deputy commissioner told Geo News.

The law makes any sort of corporal punishment in school illegal. Individuals found to be involved in corporal punishement would be sentenced to one year in prison or Rs 50,000 fine or both.

However, the practice remains entrenched in social norms of the country, with many teachers and parents believing corporal punishment a useful tool to discipline children.