Lahore, October 15, 2024 – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has established a seven-member committee to investigate allegations of sexual assault involving a student at a college in Lahore. The committee, led by Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, is tasked with conducting a thorough inquiry and submitting its findings to the Chief Minister within 48 hours.
This move comes in the wake of widespread protests by students at the Punjab College after reports of the alleged assault circulated on social media. Protests escalated into clashes with police and security guards, resulting in injuries to several individuals. In a statement, the father and uncle of the alleged victim clarified that no assault had occurred, explaining that their daughter had sustained a back injury from a fall at home, which led to her admission to the intensive care unit.
DIG Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed that the suspect, a security guard, has been taken into custody. However, the details of the incident remain under investigation.
Earlier reports indicated that the security guard allegedly assaulted a first-year student in the college’s basement during school hours, fleeing when the victim raised an alarm. After multiple raids, the suspect was arrested in Sialkot. A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, stating that investigations are ongoing and efforts to locate the victim and her family continue.
The victim, a resident of Sheikhupura, was a student at Punjab College’s Gaddafi Stadium Hali Road branch. Authorities are working to ensure she receives the necessary support and assistance during this challenging time.
