Man arrested in Pakistan capital for assaulting women in road rage incident

A man in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad has been arrested after a video showing him beating three women on the street went viral on social media, sparking public outrage and calls for stricter action.

Islamabad police confirmed that the incident took place on Feb. 23 and that an FIR was registered the same day. The suspect, identified as Jamal, was arrested and sent to jail after spending three days in police custody.

The FIR was filed by Hajra Khattak, who told police she was at a McDonald's in Islamabad with her daughters when Jamal, driving a white Mercedes, blocked their way and, along with his friends, tried to snatch their car. When they resisted, he allegedly assaulted them, tore their clothes, and dragged them by their hair.

Khattak also accused Jamal of stealing 2 million Pakistani rupees ($7,200) and 10 tolas (116 grams) of gold from them before fleeing. The FIR states that he also threatened to kill them.

The video of the attack triggered widespread condemnation online. Some social media users called for harsh punishments, including canceling the suspect’s education certificates, driver’s license, and weapon permits, while others demanded a public boycott and long imprisonment.

Some praised Islamabad police for taking swift action, while others criticized the incident’s timing, saying it reflected poorly on Pakistan as the country marked International Women’s Day.

“If such violent incidents happen in the capital, imagine what must be happening in remote areas,” one user commented.