The evidence collected by a seven-member committee formed by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, has presented its finding in the Punjab College alleged rape case. The committee, headed by Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Zaman, said that the alleged rape incident of a student was based on fake news that was viral on social media.
The nine-page report was prepared by the committee members, including the Punjab Chief Secretary, Advocate General Punjab, Home Secretary, Higher Education Secretary and Special Education Secretary.
The News reported that the social media post that resulted in violent protests by students in front of various campuses of Punjab Colleges pushed the government to impose Section 144 across the province.
During the formulation of the report, the committee recorded the statements of the alleged rape victim and her parents, who categorically denied that such an incident took place.
They further informed the committee that the girl got injured at home, leading to her being admitted to a private hospital for treatment. They also said that the girl had never been a student of the said campus and that she did not attend the college from October 2 onwards because of her injury. The college record also complied with this statement.
The committee also quoted statements from 16 individuals, which were recorded on October 15 and 16.
These were recorded by Lahore police officials and officials of General Hospital, Evercare Hospital and Ittefaq Hospital in Lahore.
The committee recommended curbing fake news on social media.
“Students need to handle their affairs in a positive manner,” said the report and emphasised that students should distinguish between positive and negative activities.
It also advised parents to protect their children from exploitation.
The report emphasised that there is dire need to enhance the capacity of law-enforcement agencies.
The committee recommended further investigation into the hate-related issues regarding the alleged incident. It also pointed out that influencers and vloggers should be prevented from spreading chaos in society.
The report says that innocent students were targeted through fake news with a demonstration.
