Four-year-old girl under treatment in Lahore after suspected sexual assault

An unidentified four-year-old girl is currently receiving medical treatment at Lahore General Hospital (LGH) after being shifted from Kasur in a suspected case of sexual assault, officials from the hospital and police said on Wednesday.

The child was initially brought to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kasur by personnel of Lalyani Mustafa Abad Police Station, according to sources. Given the seriousness of her condition and the limited availability of specialised pediatric surgical facilities, doctors at Baba Bulleh Shah Hospital referred the girl to LGH for advanced medical care.

A multidisciplinary medical team conducted a detailed examination and immediately decided to perform surgery. According to hospital administration, gynaecology and surgery specialists jointly carried out the procedure, which was completed successfully.

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The child is now being kept under strict medical observation, with doctors declaring her condition stable, though she remains in a vulnerable state requiring continuous monitoring.

Hospital officials stated that, considering the gravity of the case, a nine-member medical board has been formed to supervise the child's treatment. The board comprises senior consultants from gynaecology, pediatric surgery, anaesthesia, pediatrics and forensic medicine. The board will not only oversee medical care but also ensure that all findings are properly documented in line with medico-legal requirements.

The child's identity remains unknown, with no relatives or legal guardians having yet contacted the hospital or police. The absence of family members has raised serious concerns regarding the child's background and how she came to be in this condition. Authorities have initiated efforts to trace her identity through coordination with local police in Kasur and nearby areas.

Police officials said there is a strong suspicion that the child may have been subjected to sexual violence. However, they stressed that the matter is still under investigation and that conclusions will only be drawn after forensic analysis and medical reports are finalised.

Evidence has been collected following standard legal protocols to avoid any compromise to the investigation.

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A senior police officer, requesting anonymity, said that multiple possibilities are being examined. "We are treating this as a serious crime involving a minor. All necessary legal steps are being taken, and once reports are received, further action will follow accordingly," the officer said.

Child rights advocates have also expressed concern over the case, particularly the lack of immediate family presence. Experts emphasise that along with medical treatment, the child requires psychological care and long-term rehabilitation.

They have urged authorities to involve child protection bureaus and social welfare departments to ensure the child's safety and well-being beyond hospitalisation.

Kasur has a troubling history of child abuse cases. Incidents like this have reignited debate over the effectiveness of child protection mechanisms and the need for stronger preventive measures. Rights activists argue that unidentified and vulnerable children remain at high risk due to gaps in monitoring and social support systems.

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Hospital officials reiterated that the privacy and dignity of the child are being strictly protected. "The patient is receiving complete medical care in a secure environment. Our staff has been instructed to follow confidentiality protocols," a senior LGH official said.

Authorities have appealed to the public to refrain from speculation and avoid sharing unverified information on social media, as it could hinder the investigation and further traumatise the victim.

Anyone with credible information that could help identify the child or assist law enforcement has been urged to contact the relevant authorities. Further developments are expected once forensic and investigation reports are completed.