HRCP Report
A fact-finding mission jointly conducted by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and AGHS Legal Aid Cell has concluded that, due to a lack of forensic evidence and credible testimonies, it is impossible to definitively verify the sexual assault allegations made against a private college in Lahore in October 2024.
In a statement released by HRCP, the rights watchdog highlighted that the investigation could not substantiate the widespread claims of rape involving a student at Punjab College Campus 10.
HRCP’s investigation pointed out that a series of troubling events has led to increased suspicion and distrust among students at the college.
These events include the circulation of unverified claims of rape on social media, conflicting statements from government officials (who initially supported the claims only to later retract them), and an insufficient response from the college administration. This has contributed to a climate of uncertainty and unrest within the student body.
The mission also condemned the excessive use of force against students at Campus 10 on October 14, when hundreds of students protested, demanding justice for the alleged victim.
The protest was met with police violence, which further intensified the frustration of the students. HRCP criticized the harsh treatment of the protesters, stating that their anger should not be dismissed, even in light of misinformation.
The online discourse surrounding this incident revealed that some parties attempted to exploit the situation for their own agendas, particularly through social media.
The findings highlight a deep sense of dissatisfaction among students regarding campus security, the handling of sexual harassment cases, and victim-blaming. This discontent is exacerbated by the perceived inaction of the college administration and a lack of trust in the police and authorities.
The mission emphasized the need for a more effective approach to address harassment concerns on campus. Among its recommendations, it called for a forensic investigation into the CCTV footage from Campus 10, covering the first two weeks of October.
Additionally, HRCP urged accountability for the police’s actions during the protests and for the detention of a suspect without filing a formal First Information Report (FIR).
Crucially, the mission stressed that concerns about harassment and sexual violence on campus must always be taken seriously. It called for the establishment of anti-harassment committees on all campuses, ensuring that these bodies are accessible to students and uphold the right to confidentiality.
The report also underscored the damaging effects of misinformation, highlighting the need for public awareness campaigns focusing on digital literacy and fact-checking.
By fostering a culture of truth and accountability, the mission hopes to address the deeper issues surrounding sexual harassment and violence, while ensuring that incidents are dealt with in a fair and transparent manner.
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