On-duty LHV sexually harassed, beaten in Diamer

GILGIT: An on-duty lady health visitor (LHV) was allegedly sexually harassed and physically assaulted at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centre in the Dadan Das area of Goharabad in Diamer District on Thursday.

Thalichi police have registered a first information report (FIR) under sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 186 (obstructing public servant), 337A (causing grievous hurt), and 354/452 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage modesty/house trespass) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

According to the FIR, the incident occurred around 10:30am while the LHV was performing her official duty. The complainant, identified as Raffique, son of Shahraees Khan and a resident of the same area, forcibly entered the MCH facility, grabbed the LHV’s hand, and attempted to violate her modesty by grabbing her clothing. Upon her refusal and resistance, he allegedly assaulted her by striking her face, nose, and eyes, causing serious injuries.

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The assailant also verbally abused and threatened her life before fleeing the scene.

District Police Officer (DPO) Abdulhameed confirmed to HUM News English that a case has been registered against the accused, and raids have been conducted in multiple locations to arrest the suspect.

“The suspect has fled the area along with his family and is hiding somewhere in the nullahs. He will be arrested within two to three days,” he added.

According to sources, the victim is a resident of Ghizer but was performing her duty at the health facility in Diamer. Sources further claimed that a local jirga has intervened in the matter and is pressuring the victim to negotiate. The jirga reportedly offered Rs 1 million to settle the case through an agreement but the victim has refused to do so.

Diamer is considered the most backward and strictly religious district of the region and has the lowest literacy rate, especially among females. As a result, females from Ghizer and Hunza are often sent there to perform duties.

Meanwhile, Young Doctors Association President Dr Bahadur Shah strongly condemned the act and vowed his association’s full support to the victim. He demanded a thorough investigation to bring the culprit to justice and stressed that the highest punishment should be served to prevent such activities in the future.

“I expect that the people of Diamer, especially those in Goharabad, would stand side by side with the victim so such incidents do not happen again and the district is not defamed,” he added.

He emphasized that the attack was not just on one LHV but on the entire health fraternity, and vowed that they would not allow such acts to go unchecked.

“I urge the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and other relevant authorities to immediately form a high-level probe commission that would present its report within 24 to 48 hours so that action can start immediately. We will not allow any delaying tactics,” he said.

He added that to protect health practitioners, especially those serving in remote areas, comprehensive security measures must be provided.