NUST refutes rape accusations as ‘complete hoax’

Says allegations are a "heinous attempt to defame this prestigious seat of learning"

National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) on Wednesday denied allegations of a female student being raped in its Islamabad campus.

Reports surfaced on social media claiming that a construction worker sexually assaulted a student near National Science & Technology Park (NSTP). The varsity's administration, however, has denied the accusations through a series from its Twitter account.

“What kind of a person makes fabricated rape accusations? Let’s start with the thought-provoking fact that false rape allegations ruin lives, reputations and futures.” reads NUST statement. “Indeed, propagating such incorrect news is the most horrendous and shameless of acts.”



https://twitter.com/Official_NUST/status/1209500489785729026

The administration further said that the recent tweets about the alleged rape of an NUST student are nothing but “a heinous attempt to defame this prestigious seat of learning, a desperate act of seeking attention, and a complete hoax!”

The university had also said a thorough investigation into the matter has been carried out. The security and well-being of everyone on campus is an absolute priority for NUST management. The investigation revealed that no such incident has taken place.”

“Please rest assured that NUST is safe, and people have no reason to pay heed to this deceitful accusation,” the statement added.



https://twitter.com/Official_NUST/status/1209500496119181313

Salman Sufi, an expert on international public policy and gender reforms has urged for an independent investigation into the rape allegations saying that a petition will be filed if the university does not “act in good faith.”

I have decided to move to #IHC with the help of @MustafaRamday to compel @Official_NUST for an independent investigation into rape allegations.

If @Official_NUST does not act in good faith, we will file the petition. Rape allegations deserve way more than an official tweet! pic.twitter.com/LUCC5ShRaf

— Salman Sufi (@SalmanSufi7) December 25, 2019

Sufi also said that he is going to announce a confidential email address where students from all over Pakistan can anonymously report any sexual misconduct and assault they have faced on campus.

IMPORTANT:

I am going to announce a confidential email address where students from all over #Pakistan can anonymously report any sexual misconduct & assault they faced on campus.
We will develop a confidential student reporting mechanisms.

We MUST work on #CampusSafetyFirst pic.twitter.com/mBiRCaQz9W

— Salman Sufi (@SalmanSufi7) December 25, 2019