On 17 October 2024, protests erupted in Pakistan after allegations of a college student’s rape in Lahore. Students across the country demonstrated, demanding justice for the alleged victim. Protests took place in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, gaining momentum as tensions grew.
Authorities quickly denied the rape allegations, calling them misinformation. However, protestors accused the government of trying to silence the truth. Student leaders and activists continued to press for action, leading to violent confrontations in some cities. The college in question was identified as Punjab College for Women.
Clashes With Police Lead to Fatalities
In Rawalpindi, what began as peaceful demonstrations soon turned violent. Students clashed with police, resulting in the death of a security guard, according to CTV News. Police accused the students of provoking violence, while protestors claimed the police acted aggressively. The death added fuel to the protests, which continued to spread.
Elsewhere, in Islamabad and Multan, protests remained mostly peaceful. However, tensions remained high, as the unrest showed no signs of stopping. Students vowed to continue their demonstrations until the government addressed their demands.
Punjab Government Shuts Down Educational Institutions
The Punjab provincial government responded to the unrest by shutting down schools and universities for two days. Officials claimed the closures were necessary to maintain public safety. On Thursday, around 150 students were held by police for attending the protests in Rawalpindi.
At a Wednesday news conference, Arif Chaudry, the Lahore director of the private Punjab Group of Colleges, which operates the women’s college, stated, “This incident never occurred.” Rights groups, including the Aurat March, however, continued to support the students, demanding the government take stronger action.
Government Denies Allegations, Calls Protests Misinformed
Government officials denied the rape allegations, calling them false. While the college denied the allegations, Maryam Nawaz, chief minister of Pakistan’s Punjab, also addressed the reported rape incident, labeling the claims as ‘fabricated.’ She further accused currently-imprisoned Imran Khan’s political party of leveraging the false accusation to incite student protests and create unrest in the province.
The government’s denial, however, only fueled the anger of protestors. Students and activists accused officials of downplaying the issue and ignoring the growing problem of sexual violence in Pakistan. They called for a more transparent investigation into the case.
A History of Student Protests and Gender-Based Violence
This wave of protests is part of a larger movement against gender-based violence in Pakistan. Over recent years, students have increasingly spoken out against sexual violence on campuses. They accuse authorities of failing to protect women in educational institutions.
Similar protests erupted in 2020 after a gang raped a woman on the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway. That incident led to public outrage and widespread calls for reform. Although the government introduced legal changes, their implementation has been inconsistent. Many argue the system still fails to hold perpetrators accountable.
Protestors Demand Justice and Systemic Reforms
As the protests continue, demands for justice grow louder. Protestors want the government to ensure a fair investigation into the alleged rape case. They also seek broader reforms to address sexual violence in the country.
One student protestor in Lahore summed up the sentiment, “Even if it takes a month, we will continue to come here.” Demonstrators are not just fighting for one victim they are calling for the safety of all women. They want educational institutions to become safer spaces, free from violence.
Whether these protests will result in lasting change remains uncertain. For now, the unrest highlights Pakistan’s deep struggle with gender-based violence. Many hope the protests will finally force the government to take meaningful action to protect women.
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