Punjab Police Officer Arrested for Secretly Filming Women in Hospital Restrooms

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On July 25, 2025, a Punjab Police head constable was arrested in Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi district, Pakistan, for allegedly filming women in the restrooms of the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital. The incident has raised serious concerns about privacy and safety within public institutions. The officer, apprehended following a citizen’s alert, is currently under investigation as authorities review evidence related to his actions.

The suspect, identified as Head Constable Aqil Abbas from the Punjab Police Training Wing in Lahore, was reportedly caught using his mobile phone to record women inside the hospital’s restroom facilities. According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered by Bilal Hussain, a local citizen who reported suspicious behavior, Abbas was also seen photographing women in other areas of the hospital. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Syed Daniyal confirmed to Dawn.com that several compromising videos were recovered from the suspect’s phone, which has been submitted for forensic examination. This case highlights a serious violation of privacy and human rights, particularly in a facility intended to provide care and safety.

Further details emerged about the officer’s prior record. ASP Daniyal noted that Abbas had been charged in 2020 with offences including house trespass and assault under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), following allegations of sexual assault against a widow. However, the case was dismissed after the parties reportedly reconciled, leading to Abbas’s reinstatement. This previous leniency has sparked public concern regarding accountability within the Punjab Police and the need for stringent measures to prevent abuse of authority.

The incident has drawn criticism from local residents and activists, who have urged the Punjab government, including Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, to strengthen oversight and ensure that government hospitals remain safe environments for women and all patients.

This case is part of a broader issue of harassment and insecurity faced by women in healthcare settings across Pakistan. According to reports by the BBC and studies cited by the US National Institutes of Health, workplace violence is prevalent, with a 2022 survey indicating that up to 95% of nurses in Pakistan have experienced some form of violence or harassment at work. These findings emphasize the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect healthcare workers and patients alike.

The Gujar Khan incident calls for prompt judicial action and comprehensive policies to safeguard women’s rights and privacy. Public institutions must prioritize security measures to rebuild trust and uphold the dignity of all individuals.