According to Multan police, the suspect, who has been detained, also attacked the girl with a knife, fearing that she would disclose the alleged assault.

The girl, identified as Arisha, worked as a domestic helper at a house in Bilal Colony.

Police said she had been in contact with the suspect, identified as Abid, a plumber, over the phone for several months.

According to police, the homeowner and his family left the city for a few days, while Arisha stayed at the house with her maternal aunt.

When the aunt went to work at another house, Abid allegedly arrived to meet Arisha and assaulted her.

Police said Abid allegedly attacked the girl with a knife and forced her to ingest a poisonous substance, apparently fearing that she would disclose the alleged assault.

The suspect fled after leaving Arisha in critical condition, police said.

The girl was shifted to Nishtar Hospital in Multan, where doctors described her condition as extremely serious.

The Shujaabad City Police have registered a case against the suspect on the complaint of Arisha’s maternal uncle, Shafiq, and launched an investigation.

Police said Abid has been arrested and further legal proceedings are underway.