LAHORE: Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran has said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz instructed law enforcement authorities to investigate the alleged kidnapping of two foreign women strictly on merit, regardless of the identities or influence of those involved.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the DIG said the chief minister had made it clear that the investigation should remain impartial and that anyone found responsible would be held accountable under the law.
“The chief minister directed that the case be handled on merit, and whoever committed the crime will be punished,” Kamran said.
Case Involves Two Foreign Nationals
The case gained national attention after a First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Lahore’s Defence C Police Station against five suspects, including Muhammad Raza Dar, who has been identified by police as the grandson of a prominent political figure.
The suspects are accused of the alleged kidnapping, extortion and sexual assault of two foreign nationals — one from Spain and the other from the Netherlands.
According to police sources, five suspects, including Raza Dar, are currently on physical remand, while four additional individuals have been detained for questioning after being identified during the investigation.
Police Detail Timeline of Investigation
DIG Faisal Kamran said the two women arrived in Lahore on June 29 and were allegedly abducted shortly afterwards.
He explained that investigators launched an extensive operation by tracing the vehicle allegedly used in the incident through the Safe City Authority’s surveillance camera network. Police also examined the vehicle’s travel history and tracked its movement along the motorway towards Sargodha, while conducting raids in Shahdara and Defence.
According to the DIG, the first ransom call was received on July 1 from a man identified as Carlos, who informed Pakistani authorities that Spanish officials had also been notified about the incident.
On the same day, the Safe City Authority also received information through its emergency helpline, further strengthening the investigation.
Suspects Traced Through Digital Evidence
Kamran said investigators successfully identified the suspects by analysing mobile phone records, vehicle registration details and location data.
As a result, police arrested four suspects on July 2, leading to further developments in the case.
According to investigators, suspect Raza Dar later transported the two women towards the airport. During the journey, an altercation reportedly took place near Bhatta Chowk, after which the vehicle crashed.
Police said the women managed to escape from the vehicle and sought refuge inside a nearby filter house, where officers later located and rescued them.
Police Reject Claims Victims Appeared Voluntarily
The DIG dismissed reports suggesting that the two women had surfaced on their own without police assistance.
He said the victims had clearly stated in their official statements that they were rescued by the Punjab Police.
Kamran further explained that the women’s statements were recorded before a judicial magistrate, rather than under police supervision, to ensure transparency in the legal process.
Following medical examinations and the completion of legal formalities, the women were permitted to leave Pakistan.
Embassy Requested Early Departure
The DIG revealed that the relevant embassy had requested permission for the women to depart Pakistan at the earliest opportunity.
However, investigators asked the diplomatic mission to allow an additional day so the victims’ statements could be formally recorded before a magistrate.
“We requested one more day so their statements could be recorded before the legal process was completed,” Kamran said.
Investigation Continues
Kamran also disclosed that when investigators discovered that one of the suspects was related to a prominent political personality, senior police officials were immediately informed and the family concerned was contacted to verify the information before further legal action was taken.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and reaffirmed their commitment to conducting the case in accordance with the law and without any political influence.
