LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab’s Provincial Information Minister, Azma Bukhari, has stepped forward to address the escalating controversy surrounding a private college incident that has stirred considerable attention on social media. Speaking during a session at the Punjab Assembly, Bukhari emphasized that the issue was being deliberately sensationalized, stating that any claims regarding the alleged incident are unsubstantiated and politically charged.

Azma Bukhari explained that she has directly communicated with the family of the involved child, who confirmed that no such incident took place. According to Bukhari, the child sustained injuries from a fall on the stairs rather than the alleged cause circulating on social media. After visiting the homes of three girls enrolled at the college, she reported that none of their families corroborated the claims. In addition, a thorough review of hospital records found no indication of such an incident.

Furthermore, Bukhari revealed that a security guard had been detained as a precautionary measure. She raised concerns about the ethical implications of using terms like “rape” so freely on social platforms, cautioning against the damage these allegations bring to families.

In response to a query regarding the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference, she speculated that the timing of the rumors may be an attempt to destabilize Lahore, diverting attention from the city’s real issues. Bukhari encouraged people to focus on the needs of affected families rather than using this sensitive situation to serve political agendas.

Emphasizing her commitment to justice, Bukhari affirmed that necessary actions will be taken only if the medical reports substantiate any claims. She firmly condemned the premature closure of the campus based on rumors alone and informed that the Chief Minister has ordered the formation of an investigative committee, with a 48-hour deadline to report findings.

Azma Bukhari also criticized the media’s role in sensationalizing the story, stressing that it was adding unnecessary distress to the family involved. In her words, the incident is a tragic example of how false narratives can harm innocent individuals, ultimately shifting the focus away from real issues. She implored everyone to avoid using a family’s distress for political mileage and warned against acting as “political vultures,” preying on tragedy for gain.