Speaking on a news channel, Sheikh questioned the choices of the rape survivor, saying the woman should have taken a different route –a less deserted one– and checked her petrol tank before embarking on her journey. Sheikh said that he was surprised that the woman — a mother of three travelling alone at night– chose to travel via Ring Road instead of taking the GT Road that was relatively ‘safe’.
The statement of the police officer caused a strong reaction on Twitter, resulting in #RemoveCCPOLahore becoming one of the top trends.
In a statement on Twitter, Hassaan Niazi, who is a lawyer, asked CM Usman Buzdar to remove the police officer.
Senator Sehar Kamran said the CCPO being a 'political appointee' doesn't care about crimes on streets.
Journalist Marium Chaudhry demanded his removal for victim-blaming.
Samar Minallah said the police officer was 'heartless' for making such 'sick' remarks.
Imaan Zainab Mazari said the Punjab Police do not need any 'rape apologists' in this position.
Responding to the CCPO's statement, Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari said that the ministry has taken up this issue, as nothing can ever 'rationalise the crime of rape'.