Police Vow Equal Action in Foreign Women Abduction Case

LAHORE: Lahore police have said they were directed to proceed strictly on merit in the high-profile case involving the alleged abduction and assault of two foreign women, including against a suspect reportedly linked to a senior federal figure. The clarification was issued on Sunday as the case continued to draw intense public, legal and diplomatic attention.

Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran told a press conference that police had been ordered to treat the named suspect, Muhammad Raza Dar, in the same manner as any other accused person. He said investigators first focused on recovering the women safely before moving to trace and arrest those allegedly involved in the incident.

According to the police account, the case began after the two women were allegedly held and later managed to escape from a vehicle. Investigators said the suspects were traced through raids, phone information and Safe City alerts, while police coordination with one victim’s family helped officers establish contact and move quickly after the escape.

The DIG said the government and senior police command were informed when investigators came across information suggesting that one suspect’s family may have a connection with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He stressed that the instruction from the authorities was to ensure impartial handling of the case and to leave no room for preferential treatment.

Police have already booked five suspects in the case, while four accused persons were earlier arrested and sent on physical remand. Officials said the investigation was also examining whether the alleged crime was the work of a wider group rather than a single individual acting alone.

The victims, according to the police briefing, were in contact with one woman’s father through WhatsApp and voice messages during the critical moments of the case. Police said the father helped connect them with the Defence assistant superintendent of police, after which officers used location tracing and emergency-response systems to follow the suspect and secure the women’s safety.

The case has also generated controversy over police conduct during efforts to record the women’s legal statements before their departure from Pakistan. DIG Kamran acknowledged an unfortunate incident involving a station house officer entering a magistrate’s residence, apologised to the judiciary, and said action had been taken against the officer concerned.

The matter is significant beyond a routine criminal investigation because it involves foreign nationals, allegations of sexual violence, questions of political influence and the credibility of Pakistan’s justice system. Any perception of delay, pressure or selective treatment could damage public confidence and raise concerns among foreign visitors, diplomats and rights groups.

For Lahore police, the next phase will be crucial as investigators prepare evidence, record statements and pursue any remaining suspects. The case is now likely to be watched closely for whether police and prosecutors can build a legally sound case that protects the victims’ rights while ensuring that all accused persons are handled transparently under the law.