The Punjab government’s seven-member inquiry committee, tasked with investigating the alleged rape of a private college student in Gulberg, has concluded that no such incident took place.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz established the high-level committee, led by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, which included the home secretary, advocate general of Punjab, and secretaries of higher education, special education, and specialized healthcare.
The committee’s report revealed that the rape allegations were fabricated and disseminated via fake social media accounts to incite unrest and disrupt public order. It highlighted the involvement of “malicious actors” with vested interests who manipulated the situation for political gain.
The committee expressed concern about the impact of disinformation on students and the broader community. It noted the psychological and social harm inflicted on the alleged victim and her family, recommending that the government provide appropriate support to them.
The inquiry concluded that the reported incident was part of a larger disinformation campaign aimed at inciting chaos. It criticized the college management for failing to handle the situation effectively, citing a lack of proper protocols for addressing such incidents.
While commending the police for their swift action in securing evidence, the committee recommended the establishment of standard operating procedures for managing similar incidents in educational institutions moving forward.
The report identified a pattern of targeted disinformation and urged the Punjab government to implement strict legal measures against the misuse of social media platforms, holding accountable those responsible for spreading false information. It also called for the development of a framework to combat disinformation, educate students about the dangers of fake news, and enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies to manage such issues.
