April 23, 2026
Iqra Manzoor
LAHORE:
A case has been registered under Sections 376 (rape) and 109 (abetment) of the Pakistan Penal Code at Pirwadhai Police Station, Rawalpindi, following allegations of rape filed by a woman identified as R*, a resident of Layyah.
Victim alleges prolonged harassment by accused
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the complainant, currently residing in Rawalpindi, works as a bus hostess for various transport companies. She had recently travelled to her native village in Layyah and returned to Rawalpindi, arriving at approximately 9:00 AM.
The FIR names the accused as Muhammad Ashraf, a resident of Bhakkar (Layyah), who has been working as a bus conductor with different companies. The complainant stated that she became acquainted with him through her work. Over time, he allegedly subjected her to repeated harassment and coercion, including pressuring her into an illicit relationship.
Manipulation and coercion prior to incident
The complainant further alleged that on a previous occasion, the accused attempted to manipulate her by inflicting cuts on his own body. She stated that she is a married woman and, fearing consequences in her personal life, had urged the accused to stop harassing her. According to the FIR, he assured her that he would not repeat such behavior, and the matter appeared to have been resolved at that time.
The FIR states that during her return journey to Rawalpindi, due to road closures, she was forced to disembark at Tanol. From there, she contacted the accused, who transported her in his car to Gillani Hotel in Pirwadhai before leaving the premises.
Incident at Pirwadhai Hotel
Exhausted from travel, the complainant checked into a room at the hotel to rest and fell asleep. She alleged that after some time, there was a knock at the door. Upon opening it, she found the accused standing outside.
Allegation of forced entry and assault
According to the FIR, the accused forcibly entered the room, covered her mouth, and rendered her unconscious. The complainant stated that while she was unconscious, the accused raped her and fled the scene. Upon regaining consciousness, she discovered injuries on her body, including nail marks.
Medical examination and evidence collection underway
Speaking to Voicepk, the investigation officer, Zahid, confirmed that the victim has undergone a medical examination and that DNA testing will be conducted.
Accused and alleged accomplice in custody
“The suspect has been arrested. The hotel owner, who allegedly facilitated the act, has also been taken into custody and is currently on remand,” the officer said. He added that the investigation is ongoing, and the accused has reportedly confessed to the crime, stating that he “made a mistake.”
Voicepk reached out to the survivor, R*, who declined to speak on the record at this stage.
Rising cases of sexual violence in Punjab
The incident comes amid a concerning pattern of reported sexual violence in the province. According to data collected by the Social Services Development Organisation (SSDO), 1,651 rape cases were registered with the police across Punjab between January and June 2025.
This translates to an average of approximately nine rape cases being reported daily during the six-month period—figures that highlight both the scale of the issue and the urgency for systemic response.