A school morning turned into a scene of horror in northern Pakistan when a 10-year-old boy was allegedly beaten so brutally by his headmaster that he later died from his injuries.

A young student, identified as Khyalmat Khan, died following an alleged violent assault by his school’s headmaster during a public assembly at a private institution in the Khyber district, sparking outrage and renewed calls to enforce child protection laws, as the Daily Mail reports.

The incident occurred on Friday during a morning assembly at a private school in the Khyber district of northern Pakistan, where children had gathered for the day ahead. Witnesses say that Khyalmat Khan, a 10-year-old student, was called out by headmaster Waqar Ahmed over a so-called “minor issue” that has not yet been detailed by authorities.

What transpired next has sent shock and grief throughout the entire community. According to police investigators, Ahmed used a stick to strike the boy multiple times. The blows reportedly landed on Khyalmat’s head, neck, face, and back, causing serious injuries.

After the beating, Khyalmat was rushed from the school grounds to a nearby hospital. Despite urgent medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries not long after arrival. Police confirmed that the force used by the headmaster was the apparent cause of the child’s death.

Suspect in custody

Law enforcement acted swiftly in response to the incident. Headmaster Waqar Ahmed was arrested shortly after the assault and currently remains in police custody while investigations continue. Officers stated that enough evidence had been gathered to treat the case as a criminal act of violence against a minor.

District Police Officer Rai Mazhar Iqbal publicly addressed the case and issued a stern condemnation of Ahmed’s actions. “Violence against children and women will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Iqbal said, demonstrating law enforcement’s intention to pursue justice in this case.

Iqbal added that educators hold a sacred role in society and that such brutality deeply undermines the dignity and purpose of the teaching profession. “A teacher is a spiritual guardian, but this man has dishonored the sanctity of the profession,” he told reporters.

Public reaction adds pressure for reform

The incident has caused significant uproar throughout the Khyber district and beyond. Parents and local community members are fiercely expressing their grief and anger, staging protests and calling for immediate reforms to protect students from similar acts of violence.

Many point to a 2021 law passed in Islamabad that prohibits violence against children. The legislation was introduced following several other tragic child abuse deaths; however, activists argue that enforcement is inconsistent, especially in rural and less regulated educational environments.

One such case that spurred the 2021 legislation involved an eight-year-old boy who was fatally beaten by his teacher in January 2021 after failing to memorize a lesson. In another harrowing example from June 2020, an eight-year-old girl working as a maid was beaten to death by her employers for inadvertently releasing their parrots.

Corporal punishment remains common despite bans

Even though corporal punishment is officially banned in parts of Pakistan, including the capital, acts of violence by teachers and authority figures continue to surface. In rural regions like the Khyber district, practices that rely on physical discipline are still widely accepted in some circles, despite growing social opposition.

Advocates for children's rights argue that without proper teacher training, strict enforcement mechanisms, and a cultural shift in how discipline is handled in schools, these tragic incidents will persist. They are urging both local and national leaders to take immediate action to safeguard the country’s children.

In the wake of Khyalmat Khan's death, activists are renewing their appeals for broader awareness campaigns and intervention programs that can help educators adopt non-violent conflict resolution methods while also empowering students to report abuse.

Lessons to learn

1. Recognize the warning signs of abuse: Communities must educate parents and children to identify unsafe behaviors by authority figures. Students should understand their rights and feel safe to report mistreatment without fear of retaliation.

2. Push for policy implementation, not just legislation: While laws banning corporal punishment exist, they must be enforced consistently nationwide. Local authorities and schools need clear guidelines and accountability systems that ensure educators adhere to child protection protocols.

3. Support victims and never blame them: It’s crucial to remember that crime can affect anyone, including children. Efforts to prevent abuse should focus on systemic change rather than blaming victims or their families for the violence they endure.

Why This Story Matters

This case shines a spotlight on the continuing issue of corporal punishment in Pakistani schools, despite legal prohibitions.

It highlights the gap between legislation and real-world enforcement, particularly in underserved areas.

More importantly, it demands nationwide attention and action to protect the country’s most vulnerable population -- its children.