The Federal Investigation Agency has registered cases against 36 people for spreading misinformation on social media related to a rape case in Punjab, Pakistan. Despite authorities denying any assault occurred, police are urging people to share information about the alleged incident. Protests demanding justice for the victim have erupted, with a student at the college where the alleged rape took place expressing mistrust in the authorities due to their changing statements. The ban on student unions in Pakistan since 1984 has been questioned as they could have helped resolve the matter peacefully. The head of the youth wing of an opposition party emphasized the importance of responding to sexual abuse cases to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable. Raising concerns about the handling of sensitive matters, a rights group representative criticized Pakistani police and media for exacerbating issues rather than resolving them. The Sustainable Social Development Organization reported a high number of rape cases in Pakistan, with underreporting likely leading to even higher actual numbers. These protests follow a recent gang-rape incident during a polio vaccination drive, highlighting the prevalence of sexual violence in the country and the challenges faced by victims due to social stigmas.
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