Children in Pakistan often work as servants in the homes of wealthier people and in shops

Pakistan's Supreme Court has asked police to look into allegations that a 10-year-old girl working as a maid was tortured by her employers, an influential judge and his wife.

The case has shocked many in Pakistan after disturbing photographs of the girl, purporting to show her badly beaten and bruised, circulated on social media.

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has requested that police also check reports that the girl's parents told a local court they have "forgiven" the judge and his wife and reached a settlement with them.

Children in Pakistan often work as servants in the homes of wealthier people and in shops and are frequently subjected to violence.

AP

PA Media