Eighteen-year-old teacher Asma died after humiliation at a Multan private school. Forced into stress over poor English, she collapsed and later died, exposing Pakistan’s exploitative private school mafia.
In Pakistan, where schools should be centers of learning and humanity, they are increasingly turning into merchants of death.
Eighteen-year-old Asma, a brave girl from Murad, near Multan, carried the burden of her family on her fragile shoulders. Her father gave the call to prayer at a mosque, her younger brother studied in college, and she taught at Lariats Public School & Groups, Ansari Chowk, Multan (Haris Campus) for only Rs. 7,000 a month. Out of this meager income, she paid for her siblings’ tuition, school fees, and the family’s electricity bills.
On that fateful day, Asma went to school, only to be humiliated by the head of junior staff who taunted her: “Your English isn’t good. We did you a favor by hiring you. Otherwise, who would give you a job?” She pleaded for a chance, reminding them that she was the only earner at home. But her cries went unheard.
Later, during an English presentation class, teacher Nargis ordered her to present in front of everyone. Already shaken by the morning’s humiliation, Asma requested more time. But she was told coldly: “Do it now, or go home forever.” Under extreme stress, Asma tried, but collapsed midway. Her blood pressure dropped, she fell, and suffered a head injury.
Instead of rushing her to the hospital in an ambulance, the school administration prioritized its reputation. Chief Executive Chaudhry Khalid Javed Warraich even refused to allow his car to be used. Hours later, Asma was taken to Nishtar Hospital in a rickshaw — but it was too late. She could not be saved.
Asma’s death is not just the story of one poor but courageous girl — it is a slap on the face of a society where private school mafias exploit teachers, strip them of dignity, and pay them starvation wages.
Her sacrifice must not go in vain. Today, we must become Asma’s voice, demanding justice for exploited teachers and accountability for private schools.
