CM Punjab addresses allegations surrounding Punjab college rape case

LAHORE: During a media talk, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz addressed the controversy surrounding an alleged rape incident at a private college in Punjab calling it a fake plotted drama.

CM Maryam Nawaz called it a “dangerous conspiracy” orchestrated by the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to mislead the public and create unrest amid the SCO summit in Pakistan.

In addition, Maryam Nawaz was accompanied by the girl at the center of the issue, who had posted a video that was edited, leading to the spread of false news.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the Punjab government has been actively investigating the case after a security guard was accused of the crime.

Earlier, A seven-member committee, headed by the Punjab chief secretary, had been formed to investigate the incident and gather evidence.

However, Maryam pointed out discrepancies in the timeline, stating that the alleged victim was reported missing on the 10th of the month, while she had been admitted to a hospital on the 2nd.

Additionally, the family of the girl denied the incident calling it completely false stating that the girl suffered from a domestic injury and no heinous crime had been done against her.

“According to the girl’s mother, she has four sisters,” CM Maryam said, adding, “My women are my red lines. If such an event were to happen, I would have taken action myself”. She said that rape suspects are acquitted based on weak evidence.

Maryam Nawaz condemned the accusations, asserting that a false narrative was created to tarnish the government’s image at a critical time.

She accused PTI of spinning this story to incite students and the public, calling the opposition party a “terrorist group.” The Chief Minister emphasized her commitment to justice, stating that rape suspects are often acquitted due to weak evidence, and instructed the Punjab IG to ensure that no rape accused escapes the law.

“I will speak where there is injustice, I will not allow injustice in my government,” Maryam Nawaz said, adding that the crime rate in Lahore has been reduced by 40 percent.

The incident has sparked protests in Lahore and other cities, with students demanding justice for the alleged victim. However, the police have dismissed the allegations, stating that no victim has come forward to record a statement.

The investigation is ongoing, and Maryam Nawaz has assured that those responsible for fabricating the incident will be held accountable.