The Punjab police have arrested the prime suspect in the alleged gang-rape of a woman near the Faisalabad motorway, police said on Friday.
The suspect, identified as Ali Sher, was apprehended within hours of the incident, according to police.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident occurred on March 25, 2025, in Chak No 62 JB Channan, when armed men intercepted a couple traveling on a motorcycle. A case was registered under robbery and sexual assault charges.
The assailants allegedly robbed the victims before sexually assaulting the woman in front of her husband.
The police have conducted a medical examination, collected DNA samples, and completed geo-fencing at the crime scene.
Following the arrest, CM Maryam Nawaz expressed her gratitude to the police force and thanked God for the timely arrest. She personally monitored the operation and ensured that all necessary steps were taken to apprehend the suspect. The chief minister also issued instructions for the immediate arrest of two accomplices involved in the crime.
Maryam Nawaz emphasised the importance of strict legal action against the perpetrators, stating that those responsible for such horrific crimes must face severe punishment.
She further reiterated her commitment to ensuring the safety of women and children, declaring that incidents of sexual assault would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Maryam Nawaz expressed her concern over the increasing number of such incidents and highlighted the need for stronger measures to prevent them.
She assured the public that her government would take all necessary steps to protect women and children from violence.
The latest incident comes amid ongoing discussions in Pakistan about implementing harsher punishments for sexual offenses, following previous high-profile cases.
Earlier, in September 2020, a mother of two was allegedly gang-raped by two robbers on the motorway in an area under the jurisdiction of Gujjarpura police.
