LAHORE, Pakistan — Reports of a young woman being raped on campus have led to significant unrest among students in Lahore, resulting in numerous injuries during confrontations with law enforcement. The clashes occurred on Monday and Tuesday amid rising tensions as allegations disseminated through social media sparked anger among the student body.

Initially, the protests took place within the premises of the private college, but they later escalated outside the provincial assembly, where student demonstrators faced off against police forces. The institution’s administration, as well as the family of the alleged victim, refuted claims of an assault.

In Pakistan, incidents of sexual violence against women are tragically prevalent but often remain unreported due to societal stigma, particularly in more conservative areas. Public demonstrations addressing such issues are notably rare, highlighting the challenges faced by victims in seeking justice and support.

A special committee formed by the provincial government reported that the alleged victim stated she had sustained injuries from a fall at her home on October 2 and subsequently received medical attention until October 11. The committee noted that she was absent from college between October 3 and 15, further complicating the matter.

The Federal Investigation Agency is currently investigating the situation, focusing on identifying individuals responsible for sharing the allegations on social platforms. According to a report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization, the year 2023 has seen 7,010 reported cases of rape in Pakistan, with an alarming 95% of these incidents occurring in Punjab province.

Due to entrenched social norms that often hinder women from seeking assistance, it is believed that the true incidence of such crimes might be even higher than official statistics reveal.

These protests arise shortly after a disturbing incident where a woman participating in a polio vaccination campaign in Sindh province reported being gang-raped. Following the alleged attack, her husband reportedly expelled her from their home, accusing her of bringing shame to the family.