Probe launched after student alleges rape, abortion by Rawalpindi principal

RAWALPINDI (Web Desk) – Human Rights Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has directed an “immediate and transparent” investigation into the alleged rape and forced abortion of a Grade 10 student in Rawalpindi.

The student, residing in Khayaban-i-Sir Syed of Pirwadhai town, filed a first information report (FIR) on Monday, accusing her academy’s principal of repeatedly raping her and forcing her to terminate a pregnancy.

The minister also ordered the immediate arrest of the accused and requested a detailed report on the incident. “The provision of justice to the affected student should be ensured under all circumstances,” Tarar, who also serves as law minister, stated in an official release.

The victim claimed that the childless principal had initially offered to marry her while she was in Grade 10. She reportedly instructed him to speak to her parents instead. Subsequently, he allegedly convinced her that he could help her achieve high marks in the matriculation examinations, leading to physical relations.

Investigation underway

According to the FIR, the principal continued raping the student over several months. When she became pregnant, he allegedly provided medicine to terminate the pregnancy and refused marriage. The victim alleged further torture after she became pregnant a second time and insisted on marriage.

Under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code, rape carries punishment ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, or even the death penalty, alongside fines. The Anti-Rape Ordinance 2020 introduced reforms including special courts, expedited trials, and a national sex offender registry.

Despite legal reforms, conviction rates remain low at 0.5 percent nationally, according to the Sustainable Social Development Organisation. The National Commission for Human Rights reported that only 41% of raped women lodge complaints, with societal pressure preventing many from pursuing cases.