Woman prisoner sexually assaulted

Superintendent suspended, CM orders inquiry

PESHAWAR:

A young woman detained in a Battagram sub jail has allegedly been sexually assaulted, drawing the attention of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's seniormost government officials, including the chief minister.

K-P CM Ali Amin Gandapur has instructed the relevant authorities to investigate the incident and present a report. Following his directive, Batagram Sub-Jail Superintendent Shehryar has been removed from his position and suspended. A committee has been formed to conduct a thorough and transparent inquiry into the matter.

A formal notification has been issued by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Home Department regarding this matter.

The two-member inquiry committee consists of the deputy inspector general of prisons for Hazara Division and the superintendent of Mansehra district jail.

According to the notification, the committee is to complete its investigation and submit a report within two days. The Chief Minister emphasised that those responsible for the alleged assault will face the harshest punishment based on the committee's findings, and will be held accountable.

He further assured that the victim will be provided with complete justice.

Sexual assault in jails is a critical issue that reflects broader systemic problems in the prison system In the province.

Despite reforms and increased awareness, incidents of sexual violence against inmates—particularly women and juveniles—continue to surface, indicating a grave human rights concern.

In K-P, like many other regions of the country, the prison system faces multiple challenges, including overcrowding, understaffing, lack of oversight, and inadequate training of prison officials.

These issues create an environment where inmates, especially vulnerable groups like women and minors, are at heightened risk of abuse.

The recent alleged sexual assault of a girl in Battagram Sub-Jail underscores the severity of the problem.