HRCP finds no “credible evidence” to support Lahore college rape claims

The Human Right Commission of Pakistan’s (HRCP) fact-finding mission stated that widespread student protests in October were sparked by misinformation about the alleged rape of a female student at a private college in Lahore.

The report stated it could not find “credible evidence” regarding the alleged rape.

The mission noted that “a chain of events appears to created acute suspicion and mistrust among students at Punjab College Campus 10, and these events include a spate of social media content making unverified claims of rape.”

According to the report, without forensic evidence or credible testimonies, it is impossible to verify widespread allegations that a student was sexually assaulted at a private college in Lahore.

Apart from this, the mission also condemned the use of “disproportionate force” by the police against students, staging a protest on October 14.

The mission observed that the protest was the result of student’s dissatisfaction with campus security perceived incidents of harassment, and a lack of trust in the college administration and police.

The report highlighted that the “damage wrought by pervasive misinformation is grounds for strong, regular public campaign on digital literacy and fact-checking.”

The mission emphasizes that concerns of harassment and sexual violence on campus must be treated with utmost seriousness. All campuses should establish easily accessible anti-harassment committees, ensuring students' right to confidentiality.