On Monday, a government committee of two members dismissed allegations made by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) concerning the supposed mistreatment and sexual assault of women in Punjab’s prisons.
Speaking with reporters outside Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore, Lahore’s SSP Investigations Anoosh Masood, and Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider, fervently rejected the claims by the party led by Imran Khan.
The allegations were characterized as a ‘collection of untruths’ by the committee members, as none of the ten women they interviewed separately mentioned any instances of mistreatment.
“Allow me to clarify that we have a specialist and a gynecologist here. The facility houses a library, where all women are free to select and read books of their choice,” Masood informed the press.
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She added, “The prison provides clean drinking water, clean bed sheets and even clothing when needed.”
Masood confirmed that all inmates involved in the case, including Khadija Shah, were in satisfactory condition.
The committee was established by Punjab’s Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to delve into PTI’s allegations of the maltreatment of female supporters, who had been detained following the violent events of May 9.
PTI’s Chairman, Imran Khan, alleged that the party’s supporters were being ‘harassed and assaulted’ and appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan – Umar Ata Bandial, to intervene and address the issue.
Among the thousands of PTI supporters arrested following the May 9 unrest, a number of women were included. Although CM Naqvi initially asserted that women were treated in accordance with the law, he later formed a committee to investigate the matter.
Previously, CM Naqvi claimed that PTI was spreading false information concerning the mistreatment of women in prisons. He disclosed that of the 32 arrested women, only 11 remain in prison. He further added that his government’s responsibility is to ensure the safety of all women.
