December 18, 2025
By Iqra Manzoor
LAHORE
A rape case in Kasur took a significant turn on Tuesday after police announced that DNA profiling had matched the biological father of the baby born of rape – as the teenage girl’s paternal uncle. District Police Officer (DPO) Essa Khan Sukhaira confirmed the development during a press conference, saying that the uncle had been arrested and police were preparing the challan.
According to police, DNA samples were collected from five suspects to trace the perpetrator, including the survivor’s uncle, whose profile returned positive. A three-member committee has been formed on the direction of the Punjab Chief Minister to oversee the case, with MPA Hina Parvez Butt assisting on legal matters.
DPO Sukhaira said police have also filed an appeal against the acquittal of constable Rafiq — who had previously been dismissed from service following departmental findings of misconduct — after the court acquitted him on Dec 5 due to lack of DNA evidence.
The development came days after the teenage survivor, Nabeela Javed, attempted suicide by setting herself on fire shortly after the acquittal. She remains under treatment for critical burn injuries.
Repeatedly exploited
A local source informed Voicepk that both the constable named in the FIR and the survivor’s paternal uncle had allegedly exploited the minor girl repeatedly.
“The police constable, Rafiq, named in the FIR, has been abusing the minor girl, and he involved the child in this. But the girl got pregnant, and the child was of her paternal uncle named Zahid, as the DNA samples matched with him,” the source claimed.
The source said the case initially drew little attention.
“Three years ago, an FIR was filed at Ganda Singh police station. At that time, nobody really knew about the case. The girl was already three months pregnant when the FIR was lodged, and her father named Rafiq as the main accused.”
The source added that after the court granted bail to Rafiq following negative DNA results, the survivor set herself on fire.
“Authorities then took notice and a reinvestigation took place. Five suspects were tested, including the paternal uncle, whose DNA matched.”
According to the source, Rafiq identified the suspects on suspicion, and alleged that family members may have mistreated the child.
Family rejects DNA findings
The girl’s father told the media that he stands by his original allegation. He maintained that “Rafiq is the actual accused and has abused his daughter many times,” alleging that the DNA reports were compromised due to Rafiq’s police background.
The girl’s mother echoed the family’s concerns, saying the minor lost hope in the justice system:
“My daughter did not get justice — that is why she set herself on fire. We have lost all hope.”
Police, however, maintain that evidence is being re-examined under legal procedure, and that the case is still ongoing.
Background of FIR allegations
The original FIR, lodged by the survivor’s father at Ganda Singh Wala Police Station in May 2022, stated that the minor was allegedly assaulted at the home of a woman co-accused, and that she was threatened into silence. The father told police that his daughter had been drugged.
“My daughter became semi-conscious after drinking juice, and the accused Rafiq raped her while the woman stood guard. She was threatened with harm if she spoke.”
The survivor later gave birth to a premature infant who died shortly after birth at Lahore Children’s Hospital.
The court acquitted the original accused after DNA profiling did not match, leading to the self-immolation attempt.
Violence against women in Punjab
More than 15,000 cases of violence and harassment against women were reported in Punjab during the first half of 2025 — averaging around 85 incidents every day. Data released by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) highlights the scale and persistence of gender-based violence across the province. The organisation said that although the numbers indicate widespread abuse, they also reflect increasing reporting as more survivors come forward despite structural and cultural barriers.
Rising crimes against women nationwide
According to a recent national report issued by Sahil, incidents of violence against women rose sharply across Pakistan, with 6,543 cases reported from January to November 2025 — nearly 25 percent more than the same period last year. These included cases of murder, abduction, physical assault, suicide and rape.
The data also shows that most rapes were carried out by individuals known to the survivors, while a smaller number involved strangers or unidentified assailants. A majority of incidents occurred inside survivors’ own homes or within the homes of perpetrators. Punjab recorded the highest number of cases nationwide, followed by Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions combined.