Over 200 Arrested After Student Protests Turn Violent in Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi, Thursday: Police arrested more than 200 individuals following violent student protests in the Dhoke Gangal area. The students, demonstrating against the alleged rape of a college student in Lahore, stormed a hostel, damaging vehicles and pelting stones after forcing their way inside.
Authorities used tear gas to disperse the crowd, and staff members who were initially trapped inside the building were safely evacuated. The protests are part of ongoing unrest across the province, sparked by rape allegations that went viral on social media, leading to multiple demonstrations in recent days.
Earlier this week, over two dozen individuals, including four police officers, were injured during violent protests in Lahore.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, addressing the media on Wednesday, condemned the spread of misinformation regarding the alleged rape and announced a crackdown on those responsible for inciting unrest.
Situation Under Control
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hafiz Kamran Asghar confirmed that the protests had been brought under control and that several arrests were made. “All aspects of the protest are being investigated,” he said, adding that additional police forces had been deployed at key locations. Elite Force troops were stationed along Sixth Road to maintain law and order.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema also confirmed that negotiations with student leaders had been successful, and the situation was under control. “After the protests, students have returned home,” he said, noting that several individuals responsible for damaging property were arrested. Additional police have been stationed outside educational institutions.
Lahore Vandalism: 250 Booked
In Lahore, a case has been filed against 274 individuals involved in vandalism at a private college’s Shalamar Campus. At least 24 of those arrested have been named in the First Information Report (FIR), while the remaining 250 remain unidentified. The report detailed that protesters used petrol bombs to attack police officers and set fire to motorcycles belonging to college staff.
Arrests Over Misinformation Campaign
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz condemned what she called a “dangerous plan” to mislead students with false information, adding that the incident was part of a larger attempt to incite unrest in the province. She vowed to take action against those responsible for spreading fake news about the alleged rape.
A government investigation concluded that the girl had not been raped, sustaining injuries at home instead. An FIR was lodged against those spreading misinformation, and the individual behind the false claims was arrested, according to the chief minister.
“This person, who propagated blatant lies, incited violence, and provoked students, has been arrested,” said CM Nawaz in a statement on social media. She blamed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for orchestrating the campaign of false propaganda. “Who will compensate the innocent girl and her family for the harm caused by these lies?” she questioned.
