Various student organizations condemned the police crackdown on students following violent protests linked to an alleged rape incident at a private college. During a press conference at the Lahore Press Club, they announced plans for a nationwide “Student Solidarity March” on November 20 if authorities do not reverse their actions against intermediate students in several Punjab cities.
Leaders from groups such as the Progressive Students Collective and the Revolutionary Students Front criticized the state’s harsh response to protests in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujrat, and Rawalpindi. They denounced the alleged torture and injuries inflicted on protesting students by security personnel at a public university. They argued that the protests reflected growing frustration with the government’s unjust policies and that the police actions overshadowed the serious issue of the rape allegations.
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The student leaders accused the government of protecting the interests of an influential education tycoon by targeting students in various cities. They highlighted the stark contrast between the unarmed students and the heavily armed security forces that responded with tear gas, baton charges, and armored vehicles. They claimed that hundreds of students aged 15 to 17 were detained, with legal cases filed against them.
The organizations described the protests as a reaction to oppressive actions by private college administrations, which they claim have created an environment resembling a prison. They demanded democratic student representation in decision-making processes and anti-harassment committees. Their charter of demands includes the establishment of such committees, an independent commission to investigate harassment complaints, accountability for police and security personnel responsible for student injuries, and the withdrawal of all charges against protesting students.
