16-year-old girl allegedly targeted in attempted assault at Jinnah Hospital, suspect arrested

A 16-year-old girl was allegedly targeted in an attempted sexual assault while she was sleeping inside Jinnah Hospital,

LAHORE:  A 16-year-old girl was allegedly targeted in an attempted sexual assault while she was sleeping inside Jinnah Hospital, with police arresting a suspect and handing the case over to the Gender-Based Crimes Unit for further investigation.

According to the police record verified by Minute Mirror, the incident occurred at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Block. The girl was reportedly asleep when the accused, identified by police as Saleem, allegedly attempted to assault her. The victim raised an alarm, prompting personnel at the Jinnah Hospital Police Chowki to intervene and take the suspect into custody.

Police registered FIR No. 1625/26 under Section 377-B of the Pakistan Penal Code at Garden Town Police Station. The FIR was registered on October 2, 2026, at 9:20pm, while the occurrence is recorded in the police register as October 3 at 8:00am.

The complainant is listed as the Sub-Inspector/duty officer of the Jinnah Hospital Police Chowki. The investigation has subsequently been transferred to the Sexual/Gender-Based Crimes Unit.

SP Model Town Division Asad Ali confirmed the incident and the arrest. According to the police official, the girl was sleeping at the hospital when the suspect allegedly attempted to assault her forcibly. He said Garden Town Police arrested Saleem, registered a case and transferred the investigation to the Gender Cell.

Police said the victim underwent a medico-legal examination at Jinnah Hospital and that the initial medical report has been included in the investigation. Authorities have also taken possession of CCTV footage from the Accident and Emergency entrance covering the relevant period.

The SHO Garden Town is supervising the investigation under the direction of the SP Model Town.

The case has also raised concerns about security arrangements at Jinnah Hospital, particularly for women and children who remain at the facility overnight while accompanying patients.

According to concerns highlighted by sources familiar with hospital security, Jinnah Hospital has a large number of patients and attendants but limited private security personnel to cover its extensive premises. Questions have also been raised about access control at night and the movement of non-patients and unauthorized individuals inside hospital buildings.

Another concern is the availability of secure overnight spaces for female attendants and minor girls. Families accompanying patients reportedly sometimes sleep in corridors, staircases and open areas when dedicated waiting facilities are unavailable.

CCTV coverage is also being examined. Police are reviewing available recordings to determine how the suspect entered the area and to establish the sequence of events surrounding the alleged assault.

As the alleged victim is a minor, her identity and other personal details have been withheld to protect her privacy.

The Gender Cell will now conduct further investigation, including recording the victim’s statement before a magistrate where required, reviewing medical evidence and examining CCTV and other material relevant to the case.

The incident has prompted calls for stronger security at public hospitals, including female security personnel during night shifts, functional CCTV cameras linked to a central monitoring system, controlled entry points and secure waiting areas for women and families.

Police have said the investigation is continuing, while the allegations against the accused will be determined through the legal process.