Tensions are escalating in Pakistan as student protests sparked by an alleged on-campus rape turn increasingly violent. The unrest, which began in the eastern city of Lahore, has now spread to four cities, with students expressing outrage over the alleged incident and demanding justice.
The latest round of violence erupted in the city of Rawalpindi, where hundreds of students took to the streets, vandalizing a college building, burning furniture, and blocking a major thoroughfare. The protesters, fueled by anger and frustration, disrupted traffic and caused significant disruption in the city.
In response, police deployed tear gas and used batons to disperse the protesters, leading to clashes and injuries. Police officials confirmed the arrest of 150 students, who are facing charges of disrupting the peace.
The situation in Rawalpindi mirrors the escalating tensions in other parts of Pakistan. In Gujrat, a security guard tragically lost his life during clashes between students and police on Wednesday. The police have also made arrests related to the death and have taken into custody a man accused of spreading misinformation about the alleged rape and inciting violence on social media.
Earlier this week, a similar wave of protests erupted in Lahore, where over two dozen students sustained injuries during clashes with police after demanding justice for the alleged rape victim. However, authorities, including the provincial chief minister and the college administration, have denied that any assault took place. The victim’s parents have also echoed these denials.
The widespread protests highlight the deeply rooted issue of sexual violence against women in Pakistan, a country where such crimes are often underreported due to the stigma associated with them. This silence, fueled by societal pressure and the fear of social repercussions, further hinders efforts to address this pervasive problem.
Hasna Cheema, a representative from the rights group Aurat Foundation, has expressed concern over the handling of such sensitive matters by Pakistani authorities and the media. She argues that their responses often exacerbate the situation rather than seeking solutions.
The Sustainable Social Development Organization reported last month that there were 7,010 rape cases reported in Pakistan in 2023, with a staggering 95% of these cases occurring in Punjab province. However, the organization acknowledges that due to the social stigmas and the reluctance of victims to come forward, the actual number of cases is likely much higher.
This week’s protests come on the heels of a similar incident where a woman accused three men of gang-raping her while she was on duty during a polio vaccination drive in Sindh province. Following the alleged assault, her husband, citing the tarnished family name, threw her out of the house. This incident further underscores the deep-rooted societal issues that exacerbate the vulnerability of women in Pakistan.
The ongoing protests and the widespread anger they reflect serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic change in Pakistan to address the pervasive issue of sexual violence and to provide adequate support and justice for victims.