TikToker Ayesha pardons all accused in Minar-e-Pakistan harassment case

A local court in Lahore acquitted all the suspects accused of harassing TikToker, Ayesha Akram at Greater Iqbal Park after she decided to pardon all the men involved in the incident.

Additional Sessions Judge Gul Abbas presided over the case. The TikToker submitted an affidavit stating that she no longer wished to pursue the case in court.

"For the sake of God and His Messenger, I forgive all the accused. I hold no objection to their acquittal," the Tiktoker stated, adding that she recorded her statement in court with “free consent and without any fear.”

The court summoned the lawyers on August 26 for arguments on the acquittal pleas of the accused and the statement of the plaintiff.

Twelve accused, including Amir Sohail alias "Rambo" who was a friend of Ayesha, filed pleas for acquittal in the case.

The incident that sparked outrage across the country occurred on August 14, 2021 after videos of a woman being heckled and harassed by a large crowd of men while making a TikTok with her colleagues at Minar-e-Pakistan went viral.

On August 17, a case was registered after the TikToker filed a complaint at Lahore's Lari Adda police station regarding the incident.

According to Ayesha, she was harassed by hundreds of people at Lahore Greater Park. Fearing for their safety, she and her colleagues attempted to flee the growing crowd. 

A security guard at Minar-e-Pakistan opened a gate for them to help them escape the place.

The woman added that she was also robbed during the harassment. Her ring and earrings were forcibly taken, and her partner's mobile phone, ID card, and Rs15,000 were stolen as well.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan took notice of the incident. Later, a high-level meeting chaired by the then-Chief Minister Usman Buzdar was held to address the issue. 

The then Inspector General (IG) Punjab suspended senior officers due to their negligence and delayed response.