SWAT: Muhammad Ayaz, the father of a seminary student who was allegedly tortured to death in Swat, returned home from Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and shared his anguish in an exclusive interview with Pakhtun Digital.
Ayaz revealed that his son had previously complained about being tortured at the madrassa, but the family dismissed it as a “common excuse” students make. “I was in constant contact with the teachers, checking on my son’s progress and well-being,” he said. “Since I was abroad, I relied on them to connect me with my son through their phones.”
Tragically, on the day of the fatal torture, Ayaz’s brother (the student’s uncle) had visited the seminary to raise concerns. However, the madrassa’s chief, Nazim, allegedly swore on the Quran that no student—including Ayaz’s son—had ever been mistreated.
Ayaz disclosed that he paid a monthly fee of Rs. 5,000 for his son’s education. Authorities have since arrested 10 teachers, sealed the institution, and launched a large-scale investigation. Media reports indicate that torture instruments, including chains, were recovered from the premises.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with religious leaders and civil society groups condemning the brutality and calling for accountability.
