Protests have erupted across various cities in Pakistan following the alleged rape of a college student, sparking widespread unrest and violence. The protests, initially organized to demand justice for the victim, quickly escalated into chaos, with incidents of vandalism and arson reported in major cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Violent Protests in Lahore
In Lahore, the epicenter of the protests, students gathered at Punjab College’s Campus 11, where they set fires in the parking area, broke windows, and caused significant damage. According to Dawn News, some protesters were armed with iron rods and clubs as they stormed the campus. The unrest also spread to Burki Road, where students blocked traffic, demanding accountability from the college administration for allegedly covering up the incident.
Organizations such as Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT), Red Workers Front, and Progressive Students Collective have publicly supported the protesters.
Rawalpindi Protests Turn Chaotic
In Rawalpindi, videos surfaced on social media showing thousands of students staging an impromptu protest against the alleged rape. Over 200 students have been arrested in connection with the violence, which resulted in damage to both public and private properties. The protests in Rawalpindi have heightened tensions across the country, fueling further unrest in other cities.
The protests turned deadly in the Gujrat district of Punjab, where a security guard was killed, and several protesters were injured during violent clashes at the PGC boys’ campus. A group of protesters, comprising local and external students, reportedly attacked the girls’ campus on Rehman Shaheed Road, causing extensive damage to the premises.
The violence spread to other towns in the Gujrat district, including Lalamusa, Kharian, and Jalalpur Jattan, where protesters targeted PGC campuses, vandalized properties, and stole valuables.
Police have responded by registering cases against more than 250 individuals for vandalizing college properties and looting valuables, which have been estimated at around Rs 15 million. Among these, 45 suspects have been identified in connection with the violence at PGC campuses. In Kharian, authorities have booked 200 individuals, including 46 identified suspects, for their involvement in attacking the Kharian campus, according to the college principal.
The ongoing protests have raised serious concerns about safety and order, as calls for justice for the victim continue to resonate across Pakistan.
