Pakistan college rape that led to violent protests fabricated: Probe

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LAHORE: A seven-member inquiry committee constituted by Pakistan’s Punjab government to investigate the alleged rape of a private college student in Gulberg on Saturday concluded that no such incident occurred as it submitted its findings.

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz constituted the high-level committee led by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman on Monday. The committee report revealed that the news of the rape was fabricated and spread via fake social media accounts to create unrest and a law and order situation, The Dawn newspaper reported.

It noted the involvement of “malicious actors” with vested interests who exploited the situation to advance their political agenda. The committee expressed concern over the manipulation of students and the disruption caused by the disinformation.