In response to reports of an alleged on-campus rape in Lahore, Pakistani police clashed with student protesters who had ransacked a college building. The incident occurred in Rawalpindi, Punjab province, where hundreds of students demonstrated, leading to disruptions in the city. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the protesters, resulting in the arrest of 150 students for disturbing the peace.
Similar protests erupted in Gujrat, Punjab province, where a security guard lost his life during clashes between students and police. Authorities have made arrests in connection with the violence, including individuals spreading misinformation on social media and inciting further unrest.
Earlier in Lahore, clashes between police and college students left over two dozen injured as they demanded justice for the alleged victim. Despite denials from authorities and the victim's family, the incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
Sexual violence against women is a prevalent issue in Pakistan, with many cases going unreported due to societal stigma. Advocates like Hasna Cheema from the Aurat Foundation have criticized the handling of such sensitive matters by law enforcement and media, calling for better training and support for victims.
Recent data from the Sustainable Social Development Organization revealed a high number of reported rape cases in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab. However, underreporting remains a significant concern, suggesting that the actual figures could be much higher.
These protests come on the heels of another disturbing incident in Sindh province, where a woman alleged she was gang-raped during a polio vaccination drive. Despite arrests made in that case, the victim faced further hardship as her husband disowned her, highlighting the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence in Pakistan.
