Woman allegedly raped by brother’s friend in Faisalabad

Accused Afzaal and Ihsan allegedly barged in and sexually assaulted the victim at gunpoint

FAISALABAD: A woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by her brother’s friend in Faisalabad on Monday.

U*, a resident of Sindhu Town, told the police that she was married and her husband used to work as a labourer. She stated that her brother Mohsin’s friend Afzaal used to visit their home often as they had good relations with him.

She maintained that on the day of the incident, while she was alone at the house, Afzaal and his accomplice Ihsan barged in and allegedly raped her at gunpoint.

However, when she raised a hue and cry, the culprits fled the scene, leaving her in a semi-naked state. The police took the woman to the hospital for treatment and medical tests.

A case No 770/18 was registered against the suspects at D-Type Colony police station on the complaint of the victim and raids were conducted to arrest them. Further investigations are under way.

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 incidents of sexual abuse involving children were recorded in Punjab. Earlier, Sahil executive director Manizeh Bano said the sexual exploitation of women and children across 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.

* Name withheld to protect identity