A disturbing incident in Lahore’s Factory Area on Monday afternoon has reignited concerns over public safety, as an overseas Pakistani woman was assaulted by an armed man. According to police reports, the attack occurred around 3:40 PM, prompting a swift response from law enforcement following a distress call.
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Video footage of the assault—circulating widely on social media—shows a man attacking the woman, who was reportedly targeted while walking through the area. Though her identity remains undisclosed for privacy reasons, officials confirmed that she is receiving medical care and psychological support.
Swift Police Response and Investigation
In response to the incident, Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Operations, Faisal Kamran, has taken swift action by initiating a detailed investigation and demanding a report from the concerned superintendent of police (SP).
A police spokesperson stated that two specialized investigative teams have been formed. One team is tracking the suspect’s route using Safe City project cameras, while the other is combing through private CCTV footage from nearby businesses and residences.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under case number 2395/25. DIG Kamran assured the public that “all means, including Safe City surveillance, are being used to apprehend the suspect” and vowed that the attacker “will be arrested as soon as possible and brought to justice.”
Robbery Also Reported
Separate reports have emerged suggesting that the woman was robbed at gunpoint by two armed individuals on a motorcycle. The assailants reportedly snatched her gold chain before fleeing. This version of events aligns with other recent street crimes targeting women in major Pakistani cities.
In a parallel incident last year in Karachi’s Federal B Area, a woman wearing a hijab was robbed in broad daylight by a gunman on a motorcycle, who was seen in viral footage touching her ear to check for gold earrings. These attacks have become alarmingly frequent, prompting renewed debate over policing and safety in public spaces.
Rising Tide of Gender-Based Violence
The latest attack adds to a growing pattern of violence against women in Punjab, especially returning overseas Pakistanis. A recent report on gender-based violence (GBV) paints a grim picture: Punjab recorded 26,753 GBV cases in the last year alone. Of these, there were 4,641 cases of rape, with a conviction rate of just 0.4%. Kidnapping and abduction cases numbered 20,720—resulting in only 16 convictions. Domestic violence cases stood at 1,167, with merely three convictions, and 225 honour killings were reported with just two leading to punishment. These figures have raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of Pakistan’s criminal justice system in protecting women and ensuring accountability.
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This attack has sparked public outcry, particularly among the Pakistani diaspora and women’s rights activists, who are demanding stronger security measures, improved street surveillance, and judicial reforms. There are growing calls for law enforcement to be held accountable for lapses in crime prevention and for the government to prioritize women’s safety as a matter of national concern.