Punjab IGP Cites Forensic Report in Lahore Custody Deaths
LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem has said a forensic examination into the deaths of two young women in Lahore police custody found evidence of multiple intoxicating substances, providing the latest official account in a case that has generated questions over the circumstances of their deaths. The police chief disclosed the findings during a press conference attended by senior Lahore police officers.
According to the IGP, a medical board comprising senior doctors prepared the forensic report. He said the report determined that both women suffered cardiopulmonary arrest, a condition in which the heart stops effectively pumping blood and breathing ceases. The police chief further said testing identified nine types of intoxicating or prohibited substances and maintained that substance use contributed to the deaths while the women were in custody.
The two women had been detained earlier this month after they were accused of stealing cash and jewellery from a residence in Lahore. Initial police accounts said their health deteriorated after they were taken into custody, with one woman held at Township police station and the other later transferred to Lytton Road police station. Both were taken to hospitals, where they were pronounced dead. Police officials denied allegations that the women had been tortured or subjected to harsh treatment.
The deaths immediately drew scrutiny because both detainees died within a short period while under police control. Earlier accounts from police officials suggested a possible drug overdose, but questions remained over the timeline, medical condition of the women and the handling of their detention. The latest forensic findings, as described by the IGP, strengthen the police position that substance use was a major factor, although broader concerns about custodial procedures have not been resolved.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan had previously raised serious concerns after conducting a fact-finding exercise into the case. HRCP said it found inconsistencies between official records and information provided by the victims' family, including differences over the sequence of events and the condition of the bodies. The rights organisation also questioned aspects of the detention and postmortem process and called for a stronger independent investigation.
HRCP recommended the establishment of a judicial tribunal headed by a serving Lahore High Court judge, with authority to summon witnesses, obtain evidence and examine the official timeline. It also sought an independent forensic assessment and verification of available surveillance material. The commission's earlier findings mean the IGP's disclosure is likely to face close examination as authorities determine whether the forensic evidence addresses the concerns raised by the family and rights advocates.
During the same press briefing, the Punjab police chief also discussed other major criminal investigations in the province. He said two suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing of Hina Javed in Rawalpindi and that investigators were pursuing additional suspects. He also said police teams were working to locate those accused of killing PTI ticket-holder Abdullah Tahir from Okara after the suspected shooters reportedly fled toward Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The next significant development in the Lahore custody case is expected to be scrutiny of the complete forensic findings alongside the ongoing investigative and judicial processes. The deaths have renewed attention on accountability in police custody, the treatment of detainees and the need for transparent medical evidence when fatalities occur under state supervision. Any further findings from judicial authorities, independent investigators or the Punjab government will be important in determining whether the official explanation is accepted or additional proceedings are required.