Motorway rape case: Lahore CCPO apologises for victim-blaming remarks

LAHORE (92 News) - Lahore Capital City Police Office (CCPO) Umer Sheikh on Monday apologised for his victim-blaming remarks on the Lahore motorway gang-rape incident. In a statement after meeting Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar in Lahore, he said: “I apologise to the victim woman, and all sections of society for my remarks.” "I neither had any ill-intention nor did I imply anything wrong," he said in a public apology. He said he didn’t mean anything wrong and if his statement has led to any misunderstanding, he then apologise to the victim and all those angered by it. "I apologise to my sister who was subjected to the gang-rape, as well as my sisters, brothers, and all strata of the society," he added. it is pertinent to mention here that his apology came after the Lahore High Court (LHC) took strong exception to his remarks on the motorway gang rape incident and summoned him to appear before it this afternoon. Earlier today, LHC summoned Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Umar Sheikh in afternoon for his remarks in a case pertaining to gang rape of a woman in front of her children on Lahore motorway. During the hearing of a writ petition seeking the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incident, Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan remarked, “What investigation is this? The CCPO is putting the blame on the victim woman.” He also said that many ministers gave strange statements following the incident. “Is the law minister an investigation officer who is going to the spot and taking pictures, the chief justice asked. The court sought the committee’s notification and fresh report for investigation of the incident.