In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident, a first-year student at a college in Mian Channu became the victim of rape allegedly committed by her own principal. The young girl, aged 14, suffered through this horrifying ordeal for an unimaginable period of four months. Adding to the trauma, the principal recorded videos of the assaults to use as a tool for blackmail.
A Cry for Help
As the prolonged abuse took a toll on the student’s physical and mental health, she found the strength to confide in her parents. Realizing the gravity of the situation, her family immediately took her to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ) for medical examinations, a crucial step in documenting the evidence and evaluating the extent of her injuries.
Recognizing the need for justice and the prevention of further harm, the victim’s family promptly lodged a complaint with the police. They urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, uncovering the truth, and holding the principal accountable for his appalling actions.
College girl rape: A Parallel Incident of Horror
Sadly, this incident of sexual assault and blackmail is not an isolated case. In Sindh’s Matiari district, another young woman, a TikToker, came forward with a harrowing tale of being gang-raped by three men. The perpetrators lured her to the New Saeedabad tehsil, where the assault took place. The brave victim identified one of her assailants as Waqas Mallah, providing crucial information for the ongoing investigation.
Despite a case being registered against the suspects, the lack of arrests has left the victim feeling frustrated and exposed to threats from the accused individuals. It is imperative for law enforcement agencies to prioritize this case, ensuring swift action is taken to apprehend the perpetrators and safeguard the victim.
A Disturbing Trend
These distressing incidents shed light on a disturbing trend of sexual assault cases in Pakistan, particularly targeting vulnerable women and young girls. The misuse of technology, such as recording explicit material, has become a distressingly common tactic used to exert power, intimidate victims, and silence them.
One cannot forget the incident that shocked the nation in July 2020 when a young girl in Lahore was gang-raped by three men, including an individual she had befriended on the popular TikTok app. In this case, the victim was lured to the Samanabad area under false pretenses, forcefully taken at gunpoint into a vehicle occupied by two other perpetrators, and subjected to a horrifying assault.
Demanding Change and Justice
These incidents highlight the urgent need for societal change and a comprehensive response to combat sexual assault. Government institutions, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and civil society must unite to address this grave issue and protect vulnerable individuals.
Educational institutions have a responsibility to create safe environments for their students. They should establish robust reporting mechanisms, awareness campaigns, and comprehensive sex education programs. Background checks and thorough evaluations must be conducted for individuals in positions of authority to prevent the abuse of power.
Law enforcement agencies should receive specialized training to handle sexual assault cases sensitively. This includes creating dedicated units with the necessary resources and expertise to effectively investigate, gather evidence, and support survivors throughout the legal process. Swift arrests and thorough investigations are crucial to instill faith in the justice system.
Moreover, society must shed its culture of victim-blaming and instead offer support and empathy to survivors. Public awareness campaigns are essential to dispel myths, educate about consent, and foster a culture of respect and equality.
Read more: Indian Student Sentenced to 6 Years in Jail for Rape
In conclusion, the incidents of college principal blackmailing and sexually assaulting a first-year student, along with other cases of sexual assault in Pakistan, demand immediate action. It is crucial for authorities, institutions, and society at large to come together, implement preventive measures, and ensure justice for survivors. Only by confronting this pervasive issue head-on can we hope to create a safer society for everyone.
