The death of 17-year-old Eshal Fatima in Punjab’s Jhang sparked widespread anger and grief on social media, with several celebrities demanding justice for the teenager.
Singer Hadiqa Kiani, actors Sabeena Farooq, Momina Iqbal and Mishi Khan were among the public figures who spoke out after reports emerged that Eshal had allegedly been abducted and assaulted.
According to the FIR filed by her father, Eshal, a first-year college student, left home on June 4 after a neighbour contacted her and told her she would be taken to Multan for clothes shopping. When she did not return, her family tried to reach her by phone but found it switched off. Their search efforts also failed to locate her.
On June 7, the family received a call informing them that Eshal had been admitted to a private hospital in critical condition. She later died at DHQ Hospital.
However, a preliminary post-mortem report found no signs of sexual assault or physical violence. The report stated that Eshal died while unconscious and noted that she had diabetes and had been using insulin for the past five years.
Before the post-mortem findings surfaced, Hadiqa Kiani shared a post about the case on Instagram, writing, “Another female victim. We demand justice and certainly not delayed justice.”
She also posted statistics highlighting violence against women in Pakistan.
Sabeena Farooq expressed her anger through Instagram Stories, sharing posts about gender-based violence and criticising attitudes that blame women for crimes committed against them.
“This will also be blamed on the girl and her character. People will ask why she went out or assume she was in a relationship. We will make sure those responsible get what they deserve,” she wrote.
Mishi Khan also raised questions about delays in the justice system, calling for speedy trials and stricter punishment for offenders.
“Why do such criminals not receive severe punishment? Why is our justice system so slow? Why can’t there be speedy trials?” she asked.
