Woman is sexually abused

PESHAWAR:

A young woman detained at a sub-prison in Battagram was allegedly sexually abused, drawing the attention of senior Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government officials, including the chief minister.

KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur has directed the relevant authorities to investigate the incident and submit a report. On his instructions, Batagram Sub-Jail Superintendent Shehryar was removed from his post and suspended. A committee has been formed to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Home Ministry has issued a formal notification on the matter.

The two-member inquiry committee comprises the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Hazara Division and the Superintendent of Mansehra District Jail.

According to the statement, the committee will complete its investigation and submit a report within two days. The Prime Minister emphasized that, based on the committee’s findings, those responsible for the alleged attack will face the harshest punishment and will be held accountable.

He also assured that complete justice will be given to the victim.

Sexual assault in prisons is a critical issue that reflects broader systemic problems in the province’s prison system.

Despite reforms and increased awareness, incidents of sexual violence against inmates – particularly against women and youth – continue to surface, highlighting a serious human rights risk.

In KP, as in many other regions of the country, the prison system faces numerous challenges, including overcrowding, staff shortages, lack of supervision and inadequate training of prison officers.

These issues create an environment in which inmates, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and minors, are at increased risk of abuse.

The recent alleged sexual assault on a girl at Battagram sub-jail highlights the gravity of the problem.