Maryam Nawaz addresses Lahore incident, alleges conspiracy by PTI

CM Maryam was accompanied by the girl whose video she claims was edited, leading to the spread of fake news

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz addressed the recent controversy surrounding an alleged rape incident at a private college in Punjab. Flocked by the girl whose video is at the center of the issue, Maryam spoke on the alleged event and the surrounding discussion on social media.

The Senior Vice President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) criticised what she termed as a “dangerous conspiracy” orchestrated by the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to mislead the public and create unrest. Referring to the girl seated beside her, Chief Minister Maryam stated that she had posted a video, which was edited, leading to the spread of false news.

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The chief minister highlighted that the Punjab government had been actively investigating the case after a security guard was accused of the crime. She informed that a committee has also been formed to investigate the incident.

However, she pointed out discrepancies in the timeline, stating that the alleged victim was reported missing on the 10th of the month, while she had been admitted to a hospital on the 2nd. “From that day till today, we are still searching for this girl,” said the Punjab Chief Minister, adding that she has also reviewed the report of the investigation committee.

She condemned the accusations, asserting that a false narrative was created, aimed at tarnishing the government’s image at a critical time when foreign leaders are visiting the country and the economy is showing signs of improvement. Maryam Nawaz further accused PTI of spinning this story to incite students and the public, calling the opposition party a “terrorist group.”

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“According to the girl’s mother, she has four sisters,” CM Maryam said, adding, “My women are my red lines. If such an event were to happen, I would have taken action myself”. She said that rape suspects are acquitted on the basis of weak evidence. Punjab IG is instructed that no rape accused should escape the law, she said. “I will speak where there is injustice, I will not allow injustice in my government,” Maryam Nawaz said, adding that the crime rate in Lahore has reduced by 40 per cent.

Punjab CM labelled the campaign as an attempt to mislead students and discredit the government. She added that it has also become a cause for anguish for the family. “This is not a case of a girl but it is a case of honor of the family. Whether this incident is related to any political party, media or common people, those responsible will be caught,” she said adding that those responsible for fabricating the incident would also be held accountable.