LAHORE, Pakistan — In a significant move to address rising unrest, authorities in Punjab province have decided to close all educational institutions, including schools and universities, for a period of two days beginning Friday. This action aims to control the escalating protests initiated by students in response to an alleged rape incident on a campus.

The closure affects approximately 18 million students across the most populous province in Pakistan. Tensions surged following the spread of allegations regarding the rape incident in Lahore, which sparked demonstrations in at least four cities. Amid the unrest, there was a tragic incident in Gujrat, where a security guard lost his life in violent exchanges between law enforcement and student protesters last Wednesday. In connection with the incident, police have taken one individual into custody.

Official sources, including the government and police, have categorically denied that any sexual assault took place at the private Punjab Group of Colleges in Lahore. They are actively pursuing the detention of around thirty individuals, including journalists, who are accused of disseminating false information online that incited the protests. Despite these denials, students have pledged to gather for a demonstration later on Friday, advocating for justice on behalf of the alleged victim from the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which shares a border with Afghanistan.

The decision to suspend classes follows a destruction incident by a large group of students at a college facility in Rawalpindi, leading to a heavy police response that saw tear gas used and more than 250 individuals arrested. The protests seem to have emerged spontaneously, given that student unions have been prohibited in Pakistan since 1984, leaving no formal organizations to represent student interests, although some political parties maintain youth wings.

In a related matter, the political faction linked to the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan has declared plans to stage protests nationwide on Friday, opposing any proposed modifications to the Constitution. Supporters of Khan assert that current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wishes to appoint judges favorable to his agenda and establish a new constitutional court that operates alongside the Supreme Court. The government has refuted these claims.

While sexual violence against women is a significant issue in Pakistan, it is often underreported due to the social stigma present within the conservative framework of the country. As a result, public demonstrations addressing such matters are relatively uncommon.