NUST responded to rape accusations after rumors began recently
Mishandling sexual assault and violence accusations is an issue that plagues higher education institutions around the world. Certainly Pakistan is no exception either. The most worrying part about the entire culture is not only the stigma for the victim, surrounding it but for accusations that universities try to protect their reputation than provide justice and a safe space to students. NUST has found itself amidst a similar situation.
Recently rumors started circulating of a NUST student allegedly being raped on campus
Last evening, rumors spread on social media that a female student in NUST said she had been allegedly raped on campus by a construction worker. The allegation spread like wildfire on social media, people started talking about how NUST was allegedly trying to ‘bury’ the incident by denying its occurrence.
A GIRL WAS ALLEGEDLY RAPED IN NUST ISLAMABAD
NUST IS TRYING TO SHUT PEOPLE DOWN. IF YOU DON'T BELONG TO THE INSTITUTION AND NEVER DID, NAME AND SHAME THEM.#RapeinNust
— la mer (@blurmynamepls) December 24, 2019
As the news spread across social media, NUST responded to rape accusation rumors with an official statement
The long winded statement, presented as a Twitter thread claimed that fabricated accusations of rape and propagating that information were the worst acts possible. They completely denied the claims, said an investigation had taken place and nothing was found. They ended their response Twitter thread by telling everyone not to believe the allegations and that NUST was a safe campus.
What kind of a person makes fabricated rape accusations?
Let’s start with the thought-provoking fact that false rape allegations ruin lives, reputations and futures. Indeed, propagating such incorrect news is the most horrendous and shameless of acts. (1/4)
— NUST (@Official_NUST) December 24, 2019
Recent tweets about the alleged rape of a NUST student are nothing but a heinous attempt to defame this prestigious seat of learning, a desperate act of seeking attention, and a complete hoax! (2/4)
— NUST (@Official_NUST) December 24, 2019
A thorough investigation into the matter has been carried out, as the security & well-being of everyone on campus is an absolute priority for the NUST management. The investigation revealed that no such incident has taken place. (3/4)
— NUST (@Official_NUST) December 24, 2019
Please rest assured that NUST is safe, and people have no reason to pay heed to this deceitful accusation. (4/4)
— NUST (@Official_NUST) December 24, 2019
However, people are not happy with NUST handling rape accusations in such a manner
Many are accusing NUST of making a joke out of the statement and responding with a callous attitude that not only blames the victim and gaslights the accusations but also tries to pass it off as a non-serious rumor.
What the actual fuck I want to bawl my eyes out right now at the kind of unprofessionalism being displayed by one of the most reputable educational institutes of Pakistan. A place where students are supposed to feel safe and included. Fuck you NUST. https://t.co/Q4SpTmdoDo
— Shameen Tariq (@shameentariq1) December 24, 2019
only someone oblivious or evil would act like pakistan is a country where any sane person would falsely accuse someone of rape, given the repulsive mindset of the people here. as you have exhibited. thanks for showing your students where you stand in such dire matters https://t.co/tlQeZIwm39
— Mehar Khursheed (@curlistani) December 24, 2019
Remember this isn’t coming from a man on street or an uncle on couch, this blatant victim blaming is coming your way straight frm the UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION. If this is how NUST,an “educational” institute’s dealing with rape culture, imagine the cognition of the benighted mass https://t.co/gQidOyEJJc
— Aliza Ansari (@aliza__ansari) December 24, 2019
What kind of an official account makes such a statement wtf is this https://t.co/R3WPHFgjrJ
— Annie (@AnnieKhan29) December 24, 2019
People pointed out how the statement from NUST about rape accusations sounded very inconsiderate
a simple “we will look into it” would have made everything so much better but nahin, we are going to trigger everyone with our insensitivity, kyun? alhumdullilah kaafi power jo hai. https://t.co/Ylk1koM1kF
— و (@_mysteryoflove_) December 24, 2019
Given how inconsiderate the tone of this post is, the prestigious seat of learning smells more like a toilet. https://t.co/OInq4wDC4I
— Paul (@mrithejester) December 24, 2019
Others demanded that there should be an official inquiry by the university before NUST dismisses rape accusation rumors like this
People talked about how they should have presented the results of the official inquiry which they had claimed had been carried out.
Absolutely disappointing statement from @Official_NUST regarding the sexual violence & rape allegations.
It is condemnable that an educational institute released this statement instead of presenting the inquiry report. https://t.co/KQy5cdI9cG— Women Democratic Front (@wdf_pk) December 24, 2019
What kind of academic institution spreads the INCORRECT belief that 'false rape allegations' are the 'most' 'shameless' act, ie. more shameless than an alleged rape itself?
Thoroughly disgusted by this tone deaf statement by @Official_NUST.
Show us proof of your investigation. https://t.co/VAqVXzNyLi
— Hamna Zubair (@hamnazubair) December 24, 2019
While the university itself has not made public details of whether or not an investigation was conducted, people online have further shared details of the alleged incident.
What I know so far from RELIABLE sources:
1. It happened in H-12 campus.
2. It probably occurred near the newly inaugurated NSTP building.
3. It was allegedly done by a construction worker.
4. NUST has his CNIC copy since thats how you enter.
5. THIS IS NOT A RUMOUR.#RapeinNust https://t.co/Qg8dYY38Ja pic.twitter.com/4HAUwGdrLb— la mer (@blurmynamepls) December 24, 2019
The university has not made any further comment on the accusations or the public anger in response to their statement.
Hopefully official authorities will take notice of the allegations and conduct a proper investigation before responding to the accusations by denying them completely. The alleged incident has shaken a lot of students up and making them question their safety on their own campuses as well as the response from their university’s administration if an unpleasant incident occurs.
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Cover Image Source: nust.edu.pk/wdf_pk via Twitter.com