Muzaffarabad (Pakistan-administered Kashmir) — In a deeply troubling incident, a Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat (Transport Division) was arrested in Muzaffarabad after being caught in a compromising situation with a female student from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. According to police, the official had allegedly rented a private shelter in Lower Chattar for months, where he reportedly exploited multiple women under the guise of offering jobs and assistance.
The student, currently enrolled in her 5th semester in the biomedical department, initially attempted to conceal her identity during the arrest. Both individuals were reportedly detained in a semi-nude state, following complaints from local residents. While medical reports later stated that the act involved “consent,” serious questions remain about how true consent is defined when one party wields significant power and authority.
A Pattern of Silence and Abuse
This is not an isolated incident. A British-Kashmiri woman previously came forward with allegations of harassment by a police officer during custody, and later, by judges during trial proceedings. Despite media coverage in the UK, there has been no transparent investigation or accountability.
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Similarly, in Kotli district, Shazma Haleem, a respected activist, reported that a senior police officer (DSP Bagh) attempted to blackmail her for speaking out on women’s rights and misconduct within government ranks.
These events highlight a troubling pattern of abuse of power by state officials, often shielded by silence, weak institutional accountability, and a culture of impunity.
A Call for International Oversight
These cases raise serious human rights concerns. When those tasked with upholding the law are themselves accused of such grave misconduct, the credibility of the entire justice system comes into question. Women, in particular, find themselves most vulnerable, targeted, silenced, and often blamed.