Punjab chief minister raises concerns over alleged financial pressure on survivor and separate bribery claims involving a judge who granted bail.
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK | October 24, 2026
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has raised serious concerns over allegations that the family of a man accused in a rape case offered Rs15 million to Rs20 million to the survivor to withdraw her allegations.
In a statement posted on social media platform X on October 23, Maryam said the alleged offer had been made despite the survivor’s statement already being recorded before a magistrate under Section 164 of Pakistan’s Code of Criminal Procedure.
She also referred to an allegation that the judge who granted bail to the accused had been bribed. Neither the alleged financial offer nor the bribery claim has been independently established in the available reporting.
Maryam Nawaz Calls for Protection of Survivors
Maryam said that if the allegations were proven, they would raise serious questions about the integrity of the justice system and the vulnerability of women to financial pressure and the misuse of influence.
She pledged to monitor such cases closely, arguing that wealth, personal connections and social influence should not allow anyone accused of a crime to evade the legal process.
The chief minister emphasised that justice must not be influenced by money or status and that everyone should remain subject to the law.
Her statement did not publicly identify the judge or provide independently verified evidence establishing that a bribe had been paid.
Allegations Emerge Amid Azerbaijani Woman’s Case
The remarks came amid developments in a sexual assault case involving an Azerbaijani woman in Lahore. The case attracted renewed attention after a video circulated on social media in which the woman said she had forgiven the suspect and did not wish to pursue the allegations.
The Punjab government said it would continue pursuing the case despite the video statement. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said the government would seek to ensure that the matter was handled through the legal process.
The woman’s later statement and the earlier allegations have prompted questions about possible pressure on the survivor and the appropriate course of legal proceedings. However, the circumstances surrounding the alleged financial offer and the separate bribery claim remain matters requiring investigation.
What Section 164 Means for the Case
Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure allows a magistrate to record statements during criminal investigations and proceedings. Such statements can be important evidence, although their legal effect depends on the circumstances of the case and applicable law.
A later change in a complainant’s position does not, by itself, establish whether an earlier allegation was true or false. Investigators and courts must assess the available evidence, the circumstances in which statements were made and any claims of coercion or pressure.
The legal implications in this case will depend on the evidence gathered by investigators and the decisions of the competent judicial authorities.
Investigation and Accountability Remain Key Issues
Maryam’s statement has placed the focus on allegations of financial pressure against a survivor and possible interference with judicial proceedings.
The allegations, if substantiated, could raise significant concerns about the fairness of the criminal justice process. However, allegations of bribery and attempts to influence a complainant must be investigated independently before conclusions can be reached.
Further verified information about the alleged offer, the bribery claim and the status of the underlying case is awaited.
The Punjab government’s stated position is that the matter should proceed through the legal system rather than be resolved solely through a change in the complainant’s public position.
