Authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province have ordered the closure of all educational institutions amid escalating student-led protests over allegations of rape at a college campus. The shutdown, in place for Friday and Saturday, is expected to impact around 26 million students across the province, including adult learners.
The protests began in Lahore after social media reports claimed that a female student was raped in the basement of Punjab College for Women. Although police have arrested a security guard identified in the posts, they stated that no victim has come forward, and they have been unable to verify the rape allegation.
As demonstrations spread to campuses across Lahore and Rawalpindi, police reported the arrest of 380 people for vandalism and arson during Thursday’s protests in Rawalpindi. Authorities have also pledged to use social media to identify additional suspects involved in the unrest.
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In response to the growing protests, police in Rawalpindi resorted to using tear gas and charging at students, who have accused the authorities of attempting to cover up the incident. Investigations into the situation are ongoing.
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