Revelation of Offer of Up to Rs 20 Million to Victim to Withdraw Statement in Rape Case
LAHORE (Qudrat Daily) — Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed serious concern over allegations that in a recent rape case, a hefty sum of money was allegedly offered to the victim to withdraw her allegations, and that a bribe was given to the judge who approved the accused’s bail.
In a statement issued on social media platform X, the Punjab Chief Minister said that in a recent rape case, it has come to light that the accused’s wealthy family allegedly offered the victim Rs 15 to 20 million to withdraw her allegations, even though the woman’s statement had already been recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Maryam Nawaz further said that there is also an allegation that a bribe was given to the judge who approved the accused’s bail.
“Interference of wealth and influence in the delivery of justice is unacceptable,” the Punjab Chief Minister said in her statement, adding that if these allegations are true, they raise extremely alarming questions about the integrity of the justice system and the risks faced by women victims of rape from financial pressure and the misuse of power.
In a recent rape case, it was revealed that the accused’s wealthy family allegedly offered 1.5–2 crore to the victim in exchange for withdrawing her allegations, despite her statement already having been recorded under Section 164. It was further alleged that the judge who granted bail to the accused had also been bribed. If these allegations are true, they raise deeply disturbing questions about the integrity of the justice system and the vulnerability of rape survivors to financial pressure and the misuse of power. I will continue to keep a close eye on such cases to ensure that no rapist or perpetrator escapes justice simply because he has money, influence, or connections. Justice must never be for sale, and no one should be above the law.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) October 23, 2026
She made clear that she will keep a close watch on such cases so that no perpetrator of rape can escape justice merely on the basis of wealth, influence, or powerful connections.
Maryam Nawaz said that justice should never be sold and no person should be above the law.
Independent Verification of Bribery and Money-Offer Allegations Awaited
The Punjab Chief Minister’s statement did not reveal the identity of the relevant case, the accused, or the judge, nor has any independent verification of the allegations regarding the money offered to the victim and the bribe given to the judge emerged.
It is pertinent to note that under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the statement of a victim or witness is recorded before a magistrate, which carries significance in the judicial proceedings of a case.
Following the Punjab Chief Minister’s statement, investigations into these serious allegations and details of the relevant case are awaited.
