The ongoing unrest surrounding the alleged rape of a college student in Lahore has escalated dramatically, leading to significant police action in Rawalpindi. Authorities have arrested over 380 protesters and booked more than 1,500 unidentified individuals in connection with multiple incidents of unrest that occurred during student demonstrations. The protests were sparked by widespread outrage over the allegations, which have gained traction on social media.
On Thursday, a large group of students gathered in Rawalpindi to voice their anger over the alleged assault. However, police reported that the protesters violated Section 144, which prohibits unlawful assembly, and interfered with state affairs. As tensions escalated, demonstrators engaged in property damage, setting fire to vehicles and attacking police mobile units. The protests turned violent, with injuries reported among police officials, prompting law enforcement to respond with tear gas in an effort to disperse the crowds.
The police have filed multiple FIRs at various police stations, including Airport, Gujjar Khan, Saddar (Wah), Morgah, and Naseerabad. The severity of the protests led to the partial closure of the road leading to Faizabad from Murree Road, with containers placed strategically to control the flow of demonstrators.
The unrest in Rawalpindi is part of a broader wave of protests across Punjab, driven by the alleged rape incident and exacerbated by social media discussions that have fueled public anger. In Lahore, protests resulted in violent clashes earlier in the week, injuring over two dozen individuals, including four police officers.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz responded to the situation, announcing a crackdown on individuals spreading misinformation regarding the alleged incident. She emphasized the need for accurate information in order to prevent further escalation of violence and unrest.
In light of the protests, authorities took preventive measures by ordering the closure of educational institutions across Punjab on Friday. This decision affects approximately 26 million students, including both children and adult learners. The provincial interior department has also imposed a ban on gatherings for Friday and Saturday, further restricting public assembly during this tense period.
Despite the widespread unrest, officials have noted that no official victim has come forward to corroborate the allegations, and they have attributed much of the turmoil to misinformation circulating online. As the situation continues to develop, police and government officials are working to restore order and address the underlying issues driving the protests.
