Amid violent protests over the alleged rape of a female student at Campus 10 of Punjab Group of Colleges (PGC) in Lahore, the institute has released an official statement rubbishing all claims regarding the incident.
“We would like to address the recent false claims circulating on social media regarding an alleged incident at one of the campuses of Punjab Colleges.
Following a thorough and impartial investigation by law enforcement authorities, we can confirm that no such incident has been reported to the police or our campus administration, and no student, parent, or guardian has raised concerns,” said a statement issued on Monday by PGC.
The statement said that despite the lack of credible evidence supporting these allegations, “We remain fully committed to transparency and will continue to work closely with the authorities to ensure a fair and thorough process.”
“At Punjab Group of Colleges, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are of the utmost importance. We have implemented strict security protocols that are continuously monitored and updated to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone on campus.”
In the statement, the college also urged its students, parents, and the wider community to avoid following or sharing “news from unverified channels”, as it may cause confusion or unnecessary concern.
According to earlier reports, a first-year student at PGC Campus 10 was allegedly raped by a security guard named Aun in the college basement last week. The incident occurred when the student was accidentally locked in the basement during lunch break.
“Her cries for help were heard by a male teacher, leading to her discovery. The guard fled the scene and went into hiding,” read a social media post that went viral, prompting strong reactions from students of PGC as well as the general public.
The guard also had a history of inappropriate behavior towards female staff members, the post had claimed, as netizens sought action against the accused and demanded better security for students across both government and private education institutions.
On Sunday, growing demands for the provision of justice to the victim also led to the arrest of the suspect.
In a statement, Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Faisal Kamran said a special team was formed to nab the suspect and investigate the matter further. He, however, said that the reports of the incident were only circulating on social media, and neither the victim nor her family had yet come forward.
An FIR [First Information Report] related to the incident has not yet been registered, the statement said, adding that neither the relevant police station, 15 police helpline, nor the college administration had received any report of the incident.
The spokesperson suggested that the unconfirmed reports on social media may be an attempt to “damage the reputation of the college”, requesting that the public refrain from commenting on social media until the facts are revealed.
“The suspect is being interrogated to verify the social media news,” the statement said, adding that despite the incident going viral on social media, no evidence had yet emerged regarding the incident.
Journalist Umar Cheema shared on X (formerly Twitter) that a girl’s father visited the police station with her X-ray reports, claiming that she had stopped attending school due to a bone fracture.
Protests turn violent
Meanwhile, with reports of the incident spreading like wildfire, students from different campuses of PGC took to the roads on Monday, demanding justice for the victim.
According to social media reports, the students were met with heavy resistance from Punjab Police.
A viral video also showed students pelting stones at police officials who had arrived at Campus 10 to meet with the college administration.
Unconfirmed reports also claimed at least 27 were injured when police baton-charged the protesting students.
The rescue team said the wounded students were provided medical treatment.
Notably, the registration of the college was suspended till further orders.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has set a condition for calling off its protest on October 15, which coincides with the day Pakistan is set to host the SCO summit.
PTI’s condition is that their leaders should be allowed a meeting with the party founder, Imran Khan, and allow his personal physician to check up on him.
Geo News reported that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) rejected the proposal, with its Senator Talal Chaudhry emphasising: “The call for protest is merely an effort to blackmail the government.”
Meanwhile, there are also reports that through some backchannel contacts, the government may allow Barrister Gohal Ali Khan and Hamid Raza to meet Khan today to withdraw the protest call.
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan wrote a request to the Interior Ministry to allow him and Hamid to meet with Khan three days before the protest call.
In the letter, it was written, “It is to invite your attention to the subject matter that the last time Imran Khan was visited by our lawyers in Adiala Jail was October 3, 2024. Since then, no one has been allowed to visit Imran Khan. There is grave concern amongst the political leadership and workers of PTI about the health concern and wellbeing of Imran Khan.”
There has also been internal opposition within PTI to postpone the protest in the greater interest of the country, with those opposing including CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur and Gohar Ali Khan, while Hammad Azhar, Salman Akram, and others advocated for holding the protest.
Police on Sunday confronted protestors for defying section 144 during a demonstration against the extra-judicial killing of blasphemy suspect Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar and “extremism in Sindh.”
The demonstrators had gathered outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC), for a protest organised under the “Sindh Rawadari March”, to condemn the murder of Dr Shahnawaz, who was shot dead by the police in Mirpurkhas on September 19 under blasphemy accusations, Dawn News reported.
The Sindh Rawadari March brought together progressive voices from all over the province, including human rights defenders, trade unions and feminist movements.
According to Tribune, the confrontation between law enforcement officials and protestors led to the arrest of over 100 individuals outside KPC, Metropole hostel and Jinnah Hospital.
The Karachi police also cracked down on journalists, stopping them from covering the peace march.
Simultaneously, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) organised a counter-protest at KPC, and police halted them at Teen Talwar, near Capri cinema.
President Karachi Press Club Saeed Sarbazi claimed, “Police closed all routes leading to the press club with containers and buses, and even reporters and camera persons were not allowed entry.”
Karachi South Deputy Commissioner (DC) Altaf Sario stated that section 144 was imposed due to the risk of riots and violence not only in Karachi but also in other parts of Sindh.
Meanwhile, Senator Sherry Rehman apologised for the police crackdown on protestors outside KPC on behalf of her party.
She wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “I apologise on behalf of the party. Am told that TLP was advancing from the other side and the police were on hair trigger alert after the recent attacks on foreigners and the advise to not protest until SCO is over, but still, the situation could have been handled differently.”
“We are a democratic party, and the rights of citizens have to be protected and respected even if they were in violation of today’s 144. I have spoken on the phone from Islamabad to many who were mistreated, and I apologised and appreciate their understanding. Because this is important. Many of us are sorry and shamed. Will inform the leadership as well,” Sherry Rehman further noted.
Veteran actress Resham has opened up about the powerful role of spirituality in her life.
Recently, the actress appeared as a guest on ‘Meri Maa’ hosted by Noor Ul Hassan, where she talked about Tahajjud.
“In life, I have only prayed five times, but I have never cut off my connection with Allah, Alhamdulillah, however, 15 months ago, I started praying Tahajjud,” Resham said.
The Gunjal actress also talked about the challenges she has faced, including being betrayed by people she trusted. Despite the difficulties, she found comfort in her faith: “I meet my Allah during the last third of the night and talk to Him about significant matters. I never complain to Him, even though I have faced many struggles. Allah, who loves me more than seventy mothers, has lifted me up from my hardships and given me strength and courage.”
Resham reflected on the concept of loss, saying, “When I talk about mothers, I believe that if Allah takes something away from you, He compensates you. This is why we say ‘Inna Lillah.’The biggest blessing in my life has been my mother. She always said, ‘It’s Allah’s property; entrust it to Allah.’”
Resham believes that those who leave us do not truly go away they remain with us, often reminding us their presence, “Since I learned that those who leave this world still have their blessings and contributions, I continue to pray for my parents and my brother. I regularly offer charity in their name and pray that whatever good I do for humanity reaches my parents and my brother. I have come to understand that those who pass away still have a continuous charity through their good deeds, and I hope that my brother and my parents are pleased with me whenever I do something for them. I trust that Allah accepts it,” the Terha Aangan actress stated
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for dropping Babar Azam from the squad against England.
The Pakistan squad for the second and third Tests against England was announced on Sunday, with Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi dropped from the playing eleven.
Michael tweeted on X (previously Twitter): “So Pakistan hasn’t won in a while; go one nil down in the series and decide to drop the best player.”
He also tagged Babar Azam and said, “I guess Pakistan cricket is full of surprises, but this tops the lot. It is an absolutely stupid decision unless he has asked for a break.”
Earlier, Fakhar Zaman also criticized PCB on Twitter, saying, “India did not drop Virat Kohli despite his bad form for three years; he was not benched. The news of dropping Babar Azam is a cause for concern, dropping Pakistan’s best batsman will send a negative message.”
Pakistan will play their second Test match against England on October 15.
Cricket Australia has announced the names included in its squad for an ODI series against Pakistan,z and Pat Cummins will lead the Kangaroos.
The national team will visit Australia next monh to play three ODI and three T20 matches.
The Australian squad includes Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser McGurk, Aaron Hardy, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Ingles, Marnus Lebusch, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.
Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head are on parental leave, so they have not been included in the squad.
Australian Chief Selector George Bailey said, “This is the last one-day series before the Champions Trophy, so we made an effort to maintain balance in the squad. There is an opportunity for this squad to increase our experience for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February.”
The ODI matches between Pakistan and Australia will be played on November 4, 8 and 10; the T20 schedule will be announced later.
ACM Group of Industries is proud to announce two prestigious wins: “Brand of the Year 2023-24” and “Best Battery Manufacturing Company of the Year Excellence 2023-24.”
These awards, presented by the Brand of the year Association and Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), recognize Osaka Batteries for its exceptional performance, innovation, and consumer trust.
Since 2006, Osaka Batteries has consistently earned the Brand of the Year title, affirming its leadership in the battery industry. This year’s win is particularly special with the additional recognition of Best Battery Manufacturing Company of the Year Excellence, marking a new milestone for ACM Group of Industries. This honor is a testament to the company’s superior technology and wide range of products, making Osaka and Saga Batteries a top choice for consumers.
Both awards were received by Muhammad Mustafa Bin Talha, Chief Executive Officer of ACM Group of Industries, who shared his gratitude: “These awards reflect the relentless dedication of our entire team. We are deeply grateful to our customers and partners for their trust, which motivates us to continue delivering unmatched quality.”
Mr. Hammad Rasul – Director of Sales further added, “As a team, we will keep pushing boundaries and strive to lead the industry with innovation and excellence.”
A special thank you goes out to our trade partners, loyal customers, and our hardworking production teams for their tireless efforts. With your support, ACM Group of Industries continues to lead the charge in innovation and quality, setting new standards in the battery manufacturing industry! www.acmgroup.com.pk
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to remove a senior member from the Board after big changes in the cricket team.
The Board has decided to replace Director International Usman Wahla. PCB management is angry with Wahla, while a former cricketer will be appointed for this post.
Yesterday, Usman Wahla and Wahab Riaz started verbal attacks on each other on X (Formerly Twitter) on the No Objection Letter (NOC) of national team all-rounder Usama Mir.
Wahab Riaz had said that Usama contacted Usman several times for NOC, but Usman ignored his request.
On the allegation of Wahab Riaz, Usman Wahla also came into the fray and denied the former fast bowler’s allegations, saying that he talked to Usama Mir about this, and he denies the one-sided allegations.
Wahab threatened to reveal everything to Usman and wrote that all the screenshots and emails do not lie and that I would tell the whole story.
“I have a lot to say. I just answered the question that was asked, and if anyone refutes it, I will provide them with all the evidence,” he added.
The fast bowler of the national team, Shaheen Afridi, is disappointed with the current situation and has started thinking about quitting Test cricket.
According to Geo, Shaheen has hinted about quitting Red Ball Cricket in a conversation with his close friends. The young fast bowler wants to focus on white ball cricket.
The Pakistan squad for the second Test match against England has been announced, and Babar Azam, fast bowler Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi have been dropped.
Babar Azam has been rested for two Tests, while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have withdrawn from the Tests themselves. Shaheen and Naseem informed the team management about their unavailability due to fitness issues; till this morning, both fast bowlers were part of the team.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that four top players, including former captain Babar Azam, have been rested so that they can come back refreshed.
According to a PCB spokesperson, Babar Azam is the best batsman of his generation, and PCB wants a mentally refreshed Babar to represent Pakistan in the future.
