A disturbing incident at Punjab Group of Colleges (PGC) in Lahore has triggered widespread protests after a first-year student allegedly assaulted by a security guard and a van driver. The incident, which took place in the basement of the college, has led to public outrage, with students demanding justice and transparency from the administration.
The incident occurred when the student was accidentally locked in the basement of PGC Campus 10 during a break. According to reports, the college’s security guard, identified as Aun, along with a van driver, allegedly sexually assaulted the student inside the basement. Her cries for help were eventually heard by a male teacher, who discovered her in distress and sought assistance. After the assault, both the guard and the van driver fled the scene, sparking outrage among students and the wider community.
Following the incident, massive protests erupted at various PGC campuses. Students from Campus 10 and Campus 16, as well as other institutions, gathered to demand justice for the victim. The protests escalated into violent confrontations between students and security personnel, resulting in several injuries. One student was critically injured and had to be transported to a nearby hospital. Students accused the college administration of attempting to cover up the incident to protect its reputation, leading to further clashes and a growing mistrust in the investigation.
The victim is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital, where her condition remains critical. Despite this, the victim’s family has yet to file a formal First Information Report (FIR), which has delayed the legal process. However, Lahore police acted swiftly and arrested the security guard within 10 hours of the incident on the outskirts of the city. Efforts to locate the van driver are ongoing, as authorities continue their investigation into the case.
This tragic event has raised serious concerns about student safety within educational institutions. Despite previous reports of inappropriate behavior from the same guard, no preventive action was taken by the administration. Students have expressed frustration, accusing the college of prioritizing its reputation over student welfare. The protests show no signs of subsiding, with demonstrators vowing to continue until justice is served.
Sexual violence in educational institutions is not a new issue in Pakistan. According to a 2023 report, over 3,500 cases of child abuse were reported, with a number of these incidents occurring in schools and colleges. The lack of proper safety measures and accountability has been a growing concern, and the PGC case is yet another grim reminder of the urgent need for action. Students across Lahore are now calling for stricter laws and enforcement to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
This is a developing story.
News Sources: ARY News & The Nation.
