Punjab orders arrests in Lahore gang-rape case

Punjab Prosecutor General Syed Farhad Ali Shah has ordered the arrest of suspects involved in the alleged gang-rape and violent assault of a 14-year-old boy in Lahore. The incident happened in the Hadiyara area, where the victim was reported missing after going to work on February 1. He was found the following morning with serious injuries. A complaint was filed with the police on February 2, accusing unknown suspects of attempting to kill the boy with a sharp weapon. Initially, the case was registered under attempted murder. However, after the victim spoke to Shah, he revealed that he had also been gang-raped. This revelation led Shah to classify the case as "high-profile." The prosecutor general reviewed the investigation process and criticized the investigating officer for not adequately handling the case. Shah instructed the officer to add charges of rape and to transfer the case to a special unit focused on sexual offenses under the Anti-Rape Act of 2022. Shah emphasized the importance of protecting children and ensuring justice for victims. He stated that there would be zero tolerance for any shortcomings in investigating child rape cases. Despite strict laws against such crimes in Pakistan, sexual assault remains a significant issue. Recent data showed over 1,600 cases of child abuse reported in the first half of 2024 alone.