11 Girls Rescued from Hostel After Abuse Allegations
News Desk
Islamabad: In response to reports of abuse and harassment against the CEO and Commandant of a private cadet college in Hummak, the Child Protection Institute (CPI), in collaboration with the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, conducted a raid that resulted in the rescue of 11 female students from the college hostel.
Led by CPI Director General Rabeea Hadi and Assistant Deputy Commissioner Mehreen Baloch, the operation revealed concerning conditions in the hostel, deemed “unsuitable” for healthy living.
The raid uncovered a lack of separation between the boys’ and girls’ hostels. The inspection team, which included Area Magistrate Kamran Saghir and CPI Child Protection Officers, also met with the hostel’s female warden and a young teacher, both of whom lacked proper qualifications for their roles.
“We are assessing the standards under which the college operates. In the meantime, the girls have been removed from the premises and underwent medical examinations, which confirmed signs of bruising, even a month after the incident,” DG CPI Rabeea Hadi stated.
She explained that the girls had contacted CPI through helpline 1121 to report the abuse.
According to the girls, the issue began when they requested an outing similar to those regularly arranged for male students. Frustrations grew after the outing, scheduled for September 15, was canceled.
The girls, unhappy with the administration’s handling of the situation, gathered in a room to discuss their grievances. Junior teachers reported this to the male administration, prompting a harsh response.
Fearing punishment, the girls locked the door and requested the presence of the female warden. However, the male staff forcibly broke down the door.
It was at this point, the girls claim, that Commandant Abdul Qadoos Khan allegedly assaulted them with a stick, forcing them to perform about 300 sit-stands while continuing to physically punish them.
The college’s CEO, Waseem Iqbal, also reportedly used a pipe to beat the girls. They were then confined to the hostel for 23 days, barred from contacting their parents. During this period, their communication with family members was monitored, with threats of severe consequences if they disclosed the abuse.
Once allowed to return home, the girls shared their ordeal with their parents, leading to complaints being lodged with the police and CPI. Despite this, parents are still awaiting the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the college authorities.
The CPI’s investigation also revealed that the female warden had pressured the girls to stay silent about the abuse, blaming them for their punishment and justifying the actions of the CEO and Commandant.
The warden threatened to give negative remarks in their character certificates, warning them that speaking out would prevent them from gaining admission to other institutions.
DG CPI Rabeea Hadi assured the victims of the institute’s full support, acknowledging the trauma the girls had endured.
She urged parents to remove their children from the hostel, where boys still reside, and to check for any signs of physical harm. “I appeal to all parents to act immediately. Do not let this illegal and inhumane treatment continue,” she said.
Rabeea Hadi also advised parents to thoroughly vet boarding institutions before enrolling their children and to maintain open communication to ensure their well-being, preventing any potential abuse or violence.
