Overview of the Incident
A disturbing incident at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Autism Care and Rehabilitation Organization (ACRO) in Karachi has drawn wide concern after CCTV footage circulated showing an assistant allegedly assaulting an autistic child in a classroom. The clip, which has been shared with parents and authorities, prompted immediate administrative action as details emerged from ACRO and local police.
Who Was Involved
The staff member identified in the media as Safia Naz had been employed at ACRO for eight years, according to the organization. ACRO’s spokesperson, Sardar Nadeem, confirmed that the assistant has been fired in response to the incident and that a police application has been submitted. The incident reportedly occurred on September 26, four days before the footage began circulating publicly. ACRO states that no prior complaints had been filed against Safia Naz before this event.
What the Footage Shows
In the CCTV clip, a boy aged roughly 10 to 12 years is seen in a classroom setting with several other children present. The footage depicts the assistant appearing to strike the child and to forcibly wrench his ears. The video’s release prompted reactions from families of enrolled children, with the Senior Woman Medical Officer of the Central District Health Office, Marium Saeed, sharing the footage with parents and prompting calls for safeguarding reviews within the center.
ACRO’s Response and Next Steps
ACRO says it has taken swift action by dismissing the employee and filing a police application. The organization’s leadership indicated that a medico-legal examination for the child would be sought through the appropriate authorities, noting that determining injuries four days after the incident may be challenging unless injuries are severe. The SHO of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Rao Naeem Rajput, confirmed that police are handling the case and that further details will be released by ACRO’s legal counsel as they become available.
Context on ACRO and Safeguarding for Autistic Children
ACRO describes itself as dedicated to the education and training of children diagnosed with autism, a condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. The incident has intensified scrutiny on safeguarding protocols within autism-focused centers, underscoring the need for staff training, routine monitoring, and transparent reporting mechanisms to protect vulnerable children. Safia Naz’s stated explanations—claiming the child bit her hand and that she was under mental or physical stress—have not altered the immediate consequence of her removal from the role, as ACRO seeks to address safety concerns and uphold child welfare standards.
What Happens Next
With the police involved, investigations will determine whether any legal charges are warranted and what measures, if any, will follow for ACRO, its staff, and the families it serves. ACRO’s management has indicated that more information will be released through its legal representative, as authorities review the case and assess the appropriate steps to safeguard the center’s students.
Impact on Families and the Community
Parents and guardians of children at ACRO have a right to expect a safe, supportive learning environment. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about safeguarding in educational settings for autistic children and emphasizes the importance of ongoing staff training, CCTV monitoring, and robust reporting channels to prevent harm and ensure accountability.
