A fact-finding mission conducted by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and AGHS Legal Aid Cell has concluded that, in the absence of forensic evidence and credible testimonies, it is not possible to definitively verify the widespread allegations of sexual assault involving a student at a private college in Lahore earlier in October 2024, the rights watchdog said in a statement.

According to HRCP, the investigation revealed that a series of events have led to heightened suspicion and distrust among students at Punjab College Campus 10.

These include a surge of unverified claims regarding rape circulating on social media, conflicting statements from government officials (who initially supported the claims only to later retract them), and a slow and inadequate response from the college administration to the allegations.

The mission condemned the excessive use of force against hundreds of students at Campus 10 on October 14, who protested for ‘justice’ for the alleged victim but were met with police violence.

The online discourse surrounding this incident indicates that some parties attempted to exploit the situation for their own agendas on social media.

The findings highlight students’ profound dissatisfaction with campus security and the perceived prevalence of sexual harassment and victim-blaming. This sentiment is exacerbated by a lack of initiative from campus administrations to tackle these issues and a pervasive distrust of both the police and college authorities.

The mission asserts that the intensity of student anger should not be dismissed, even in light of misinformation. Additionally, the detrimental effects of widespread misinformation underscore the need for robust public campaigns focused on digital literacy and fact-checking.

Read more

‘Fake mother’ arrested over alleged Lahore college rape case

14 year old student assaulted by three men near Renala Khurd

‘Fake news’ of Pakistan rape ignites real protest movement

Among its recommendations, the mission calls for a forensic investigation of CCTV footage from Campus 10 captured during the first two weeks of October. It also urges accountability for police actions against student protesters and for detaining a suspect without a formal First Information Report (FIR).

Importantly, the mission emphasizes that concerns about harassment and sexual violence on campus must always be taken seriously and advocates for the establishment of effective anti-harassment committees on all campuses, ensuring they are accessible to students while upholding their right to confidentiality.