Kasur Tragedy: Woman Sets Herself on Fire After Police Officer Accused of Rape Is Acquitted

Kasur, Pakistan (HRNW)— A heartbreaking incident has shaken the Punjab district of Kasur, where a woman set herself on fire after a court acquitted the police officer accused of raping her.

According to local sources, the incident occurred in the Pattoki area of Kasur. The accused, Constable Rafiq, was charged in 2022 with sexually assaulting the woman. The victim and her family had been pursuing justice for more than two years, repeatedly appealing to authorities for a fair trial.

However, on Friday, the court announced its verdict, acquitting the accused due to “lack of evidence.” Moments after hearing the decision, the woman reportedly doused herself in petrol and set herself ablaze outside the courtroom in sheer despair.

She was rushed to Kasur District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors said that over 70% of her body had been burned. Her condition remains critical.

Police officials say an inquiry has been launched into the incident. District authorities have pledged to review the case to determine whether any negligence or undue influence affected the court’s decision.

Human rights groups and social activists have expressed deep sorrow and outrage, calling the tragedy a reflection of systemic failures in Pakistan’s justice system — especially in cases involving sexual violence and abuse of power by influential individuals.

“When justice fails, despair takes over. This tragedy should be a wake-up call for all of us,” said a spokesperson for a local women’s rights organization.

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