LAHORE: Taking exception to the law and order situation in Punjab following violent protests on misinformation regarding alleged rape of a female student, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on Thursday summoned Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar with an updated report.

The chief justice was hearing a petition against the incidents of alleged harassment of female students in educational institutions.

Chief Justice Neelum remarked, `Does the IGP know what is happening in the province?` She questioned what actions had been taken regarding the misinformation being spread about the incident and observed whether the IGP was unaware of what was happening in his province.

She observed that under theAnti-Rape Act, even the name of the affected girl should not be disclosed.

The chief justice said she wanted to examine the original police record to determine what actions had been taken on the matter.

She ordered the IGP to also present handwritten roznamcha (police diary) related to the case of the female student`s suicide at Punjab University.

She also summoned the registrar of the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) along with all complaints related to harassment at the institution.

The chief justice asked the petitioner`s lawyer to clarify what type of harassment occurred and where the related complaint was filed, saying simply claiming harassment was insufficient without evidence.

Besides the IGP, the chief justice also directed the advocate general of Punjab to appear on Friday(today).

A citizen, Azam Butt, filed the petition through Advocate Rana Sikandar, saying the female students protested against an incident of harassment at a public sector university. He said a protest also took place over the sexual assault on a female student at a private college in Gulberg.

He alleged that the incidents of harassment of female students have been reported in other educational institutions in Punjab as well.

The petitioner expressed regret that it is the responsibility of the provincial government to protect the students, but no action or notice has been taken by the government regardingtheseincidents.

He asked the court to order an investigation into the harassment incidents in educational institutions and direct the Punjab government to ensure the protection of female students.