LAHORE: A 16-year-old girl was allegedly targeted in an attempted sexual assault while sleeping inside the Accident and Emergency Block of Jinnah Hospital in Lahore. Police arrested a suspect and transferred the case to the Gender-Based Crimes Unit for further investigation.
According to police records, the incident occurred when the girl was sleeping inside the hospital. The suspect, identified by police as Saleem, allegedly attempted to assault her. The girl raised an alarm, following which personnel at the Jinnah Hospital Police Chowki intervened and took the suspect into custody.
Police registered FIR No. 1625/26 under Section 377-B of the Pakistan Penal Code at Garden Town Police Station. The case was registered on October 2, while the police record mentions the occurrence date as October 3.
SP Model Town Division Asad Ali confirmed the incident and the arrest. He said the suspect was arrested after allegedly attempting to assault the girl and that the investigation had been handed over to the Gender Cell.
The victim underwent a medico-legal examination at Jinnah Hospital, and the initial medical report has been included in the investigation. Police have also obtained CCTV footage from the Accident and Emergency entrance to examine the events surrounding the alleged incident.
The investigation is being supervised by the SHO Garden Town under the direction of the SP Model Town. Authorities are expected to examine the CCTV footage, medical evidence and other relevant material as part of the investigation.
The incident has also raised concerns about security arrangements at Jinnah Hospital, particularly for women, children and families who remain at the hospital overnight while accompanying patients.
Sources familiar with hospital security have raised questions about access control and the movement of unauthorized individuals inside hospital buildings. Concerns have also been expressed about the limited availability of secure overnight waiting areas for female attendants and minor children.
Police are reviewing CCTV recordings to determine how the suspect entered the relevant area and to establish the sequence of events.
As the alleged victim is a minor, her identity and personal information have been withheld to protect her privacy.
The Gender-Based Crimes Unit will continue the investigation and may record the victim’s statement before a magistrate, review medical evidence and examine CCTV footage and other material.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures at public hospitals, including controlled entry points, functional CCTV cameras, female security personnel during night shifts and secure waiting areas for women and families.
Police said the investigation is ongoing, while the allegations against the arrested suspect will be determined through the legal process.
