In a dramatic escalation of events, over 380 student protestors have been arrested and 1,500 individuals have been booked by authorities in Rawalpindi following widespread protests related to the alleged rape case in Lahore. The protests erupted after the reported incident sparked outrage among students and activists, leading to a wave of demonstrations across the region.
The protestors, primarily university and college students, took to the streets, demanding swift justice and accountability. Their calls for action were met with a heavy police response, resulting in multiple arrests and charges of incitement, illegal gatherings, and disturbing the peace. Authorities have stated that they acted to maintain public order, but human rights organizations have expressed concern over the treatment of the detained students.
The Lahore incident, which triggered these protests, has gained national attention, fueling debates about women’s safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in handling such cases. The students argue that the authorities’ slow response to the case prompted them to raise their voices, while officials claim the protests were incited by political forces.
As tensions continue to rise, student unions and civil society groups are calling for the immediate release of those arrested, while urging the government to address the core issue of gender-based violence more effectively. The situation remains fluid, with more protests expected in the coming days, potentially leading to further confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.