Student Dies After Principal Administers Corporal Punishment in Front of Entire School, Pakistan in Uproar

Died After Being Punished for a "Minor Mistake"

A shocking incident occurred at a private school in Pakistan, where a 10-year-old student died after being physically punished by the principal. The victim was reportedly beaten multiple times by the principal in front of the entire student body and ultimately lost his life.

According to reports from the British Mirror and other outlets on May 31 (local time), the previous day, the victim, Kilmart Khan (10), was singled out during a morning assembly by Principal Waqar Ahmed at a private school in the Khyber district of northern Pakistan. He was struck multiple times with a stick in front of all the students. Khan was then transported to a hospital but died several hours later.

A 10-year-old student who was called out in front of the entire school at a private school in the Khyber district of northern Pakistan died after being physically punished by the principal. Photo is unrelated to the text. Photo by Yonhap News TV

Witnesses stated that Khan was subjected to this punishment for a "minor mistake." Police have arrested the principal and are currently investigating the incident.

Khyber district police officer Rai Mazhar Iqbal emphasized, "Violence against children and women is unacceptable under any circumstances," and added, "No one has the right to commit such cruel acts by abusing the noble role of a teacher."

Meanwhile, although Pakistan enacted a law banning corporal punishment against children in 2021, it is reported that corporal punishment still occurs in some schools and households.

According to media reports, Pakistan has the second largest number of out-of-school children in the world, estimated at around 24 million. The media pointed out that teacher violence is cited as a main reason why many children do not attend school.

Last month, former lawmaker Mehnaz Akber Aziz stressed, "More comprehensive measures are needed to completely eradicate such wrongdoing nationwide," and added, "Schools should be places of hope and opportunity where children can safely learn and develop the skills and experiences necessary for success. Corporal punishment is incompatible with that vision."