Pakistan: Protests leave two killed in Kasur (Punjab province) January 10

Event

Protests broke out in Kasur (Punjab province) on Wednesday, January 10, over the recent abduction, rape, and murder of an eight-year-old girl in the city. Thousands of protesters reportedly assembled at Kutchehry Chowk and attempted to march toward the offices of the deputy commissioner and district police chief.

Associated clashes between protesters and police forces on Wednesday left at least two people dead and six others wounded; commercial and transportation disruptions were also reported in Kasur on Wednesday as protesters prompted local markets to close, obstructed and burned tires along several roads, and set several vehicles on fire. Paramilitary forces have been deployed to the area to augment security amid the ongoing protests. Additional protests, heightened security measures, and consequent transportation disruptions are expected in Kasur in the coming days.

Context

Related protests were held on January 9 for eight hours in Kasur, and continue to take place despite verbal guarantees from local authorities that suspects will soon be arrested.

The rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl is reportedly the 12th such case documented within the vicinity of Kasur over the past year. Some protesters have accused local police forces of failing to investigate alleged child abuse cases with due diligence and rigor.

Advice

Individuals in Kasur and elsewhere in Punjab province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the threat of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.