Two women allegedly raped in Rahim Yar Khan

RAHIM YAR KHAN: Two women were allegedly sexually assaulted in Rahim Yar Khan on Sunday.

A police official told Express News that accused Muhammad Javed barged into the house of I*, a resident of Khanpur, and allegedly raped her when she was alone.

After committing the offence, the accused fled the scene. Police shifted the woman to a local hospital for treatment and medical tests.

In another incident, A*, a resident of Zahir Pir, was alone in her house when accused Naseem Abbas and his accomplices abducted her and took her to an undisclosed location. The culprits allegedly sexually assaulted her and fled.

Meanwhile, police have registered separate cases against the accused persons while investigations are underway.

In recent months, cases of sexual abuse have been on the rise across Punjab. Despite these incidents occurring on a daily basis, the government's counter measures have been largely disappointing.

Most cases have been reported from Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Gujranwala and other parts of the province. The victims include women and minor girls or boys.

A report issued by NGO Sahil revealed that the highest incidences of sexual abuse involving children were recorded in Punjab.

Earlier, Sahil executive director Manizeh Bano said the sexual exploitation of women and children in  Punjab had been reported over many years. She added hundreds of rape cases have been identified, but only a few victims have come forward to seek justice.

* Names withheld to protect the identity