LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) announced the formation of a full court bench to address a series of harassment incidents involving female students. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum emphasized the importance of this matter during a hearing on Friday.
The court directed authorities to take the statement of an alleged victim linked to a high-profile rape claim involving a private college student. This case has ignited widespread protests in the province, which continue to escalate.
400 Students Protesting Against Harassment
In Rawalpindi alone, nearly 400 individuals protesting against harassment and sexual abuse of female students have been arrested. The government has imposed Section 144 in the province, banning public gatherings and demonstrations. Hundreds of others have also been booked in Lahore and other cities for violating this order.
As the unrest continues across Punjab, all public and private educational institutions in the province remained closed today. The LHC is addressing three specific incidents: the protests against the alleged rape, an alleged suicide at Punjab University, and a case of harassment at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU).
During the hearing, Punjab Inspector General of Police Usman Anwer, along with other officials, presented a complete report as requested by the court. Chief Justice Neelum expressed dissatisfaction with the police chief’s failure to prevent videos related to these incidents from going viral on social media, which contributed to escalating tensions.
The chief justice inquired about the delays in contacting relevant agencies to restrict the spread of these videos. In response, IGP Anwer stated that they had indeed contacted the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to address the issue.
When asked about the provincial government’s involvement, the Punjab advocate general informed the court that the assistant superintendent of police met with the family of the alleged rape victim and reviewed CCTV footage from the college. He noted, “Every child protesting claimed that rape had occurred, but no one has presented any evidence.”
The advocate general acknowledged some shortcomings on the authorities’ part. In response, CJ Neelum remarked that opportunists might exploit the unrest. She expressed concern that the situation could stem from misinformation.
Additionally, the chief justice inquired about the number of complaints regarding harassment at LCWU. The government lawyer and college registrar informed the court that only one complaint had been filed, and the individual facing allegations had been suspended from their position.
Prioritizing Student Comfort
CJ Neelum asked if the students felt comfortable returning to their colleges. She instructed authorities to work on regaining the trust of parents in the educational system. Moreover, she mandated that men should not be present in areas where female students are located within educational institutions.
The court further directed authorities to take a statement from the student involved in the alleged rape case, cautioning against any pressure on the victim and warning of potential consequences for those who attempt to do so.
The court also ordered the establishment of a committee led by the director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate all three cases in detail. Azam Butt, a citizen of Lahore, had filed a petition in the LHC highlighting the suicide case at Punjab University, as well as the harassment and rape allegations involving separate students.
Ongoing protests have led to significant unrest, with students ransacking a hostel after forcefully entering the premises, throwing stones, and damaging vehicles.
The turmoil prompted a strong response from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who announced a crackdown on individuals spreading fake news about the alleged rape incident during a press conference on Wednesday.
As the situation evolves, the LHC’s commitment to addressing these crucial issues will be vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of female students across the province.
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