A government committee consisting of SSP Investigations Lahore Anoosh Masood and Deputy Commissioner Lahore Rafia Haider has dismissed allegations made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding the mistreatment and sexual assault of women in Punjab prisons. The committee members declared the accusations as baseless and affirmed that none of the ten women they individually interviewed reported any mistreatment.
PTI’s Allegations Rejected:
SSP Investigations Lahore Anoosh Masood and Deputy Commissioner Lahore Rafia Haider, in a press conference held outside Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore, strongly rejected the allegations put forth by PTI. The committee members deemed the claims as a collection of falsehoods, as none of the women they interviewed disclosed any mistreatment or harassment during their detention.
Lack of Evidence:
The committee members emphasized that despite thorough investigations and interviews, they found no evidence to support PTI’s allegations. The women they spoke with did not report any mistreatment or sexual assault during their time in prison.
Prison Facilities:
SSP Anoosh Masood assured journalists that the prison facilities were adequate and suitable for the inmates. She mentioned the presence of a specialist and a gynecologist, along with a library offering a variety of books for the women to read. Masood further stated that clean drinking water and clean bed sheets were provided, and if needed, clothing was available to the inmates.
Well-being of Inmates:
The committee members confirmed that all inmates, including Khadija Shah, were in good health and did not express any grievances related to mistreatment. They assured the public that the government was taking the necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in custody.
PTI’s Allegations:
PTI Chairman Imran Khan had alleged that female party supporters detained in Punjab prisons after the May 9 vandalism were being subjected to molestation and harassment. He called upon Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial to intervene and address the issue.
Read More: JIT summons Imran Khan in Jinnah House attack case
Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister’s Response:
Initially, Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi dismissed PTI’s claims as propaganda. However, due to the seriousness of the allegations, he formed a two-member committee to investigate the matter. CM Naqvi had previously stated that 32 women were arrested, and currently, only 11 of them remained in jail. He stressed his government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of women.
The two-member government committee, after thorough investigation and interviews with the women in question, has rejected PTI’s allegations of mistreatment and sexual assault in Punjab prisons. They found no evidence to support these claims and emphasized that the facilities provided were appropriate for the inmates. Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi formed the committee in response to PTI’s allegations, aiming to address the issue and ensure the safety of all individuals in custody.
