DIG operations Faisal Kamran defends dealing with of case Says CM Maryam ordered merit-based motion in kidnapping case No preferential therapy for minister-linked suspect Police arrested eight suspects, adopted authorized procedures Claims technical proof helps police model Faces powerful questions from journalists Reporters problem official account throughout tense press convention.
LAHORE – DIG operations Lahore Faisal Kamran on Sunday defended the police investigation into the alleged abduction and sexual assault of two international ladies, saying Lahore Police acted swiftly to rescue the victims, arrest eight suspects and full all authorized formalities in accordance with the regulation.
Addressing a press convention, Kamran stated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had directed authorities to proceed on advantage within the case involving the alleged kidnapping of two international ladies. “The chief minister stated the case have to be dealt with on advantage and whoever dedicated the crime shall be punished,” stated Faisal Kamran
He stated police launched a direct search-and-rescue operation after receiving a global emergency name on July 1, 2026, by means of the Punjab Secure Cities Authority’s Common Entry Quantity (UAN). The caller, recognized as the daddy of one of many victims, reported that the 2 ladies had allegedly been kidnapped and {that a} ransom demand had been made.
Based on the DIG, particular investigation groups, assisted by the Punjab Secure Cities Authority, used CCTV footage, cell phone knowledge and different digital proof to hint the victims. Police remained in direct contact with one of many ladies and, utilizing her stay location, safely recovered each victims close to Bhatta Chowk inside hours.
Kamran stated a case was registered at Defence-C Police Station on the victims’ criticism. With their consent, medico-legal examinations had been carried out and their statements had been recorded earlier than a judicial Justice of the Peace underneath Part 164 of the Prison Process Code. He added that Lahore Police remained in shut coordination with the Embassy of the Netherlands by means of Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs, and after authorized formalities had been accomplished, each ladies returned to their dwelling nations.
The DIG stated eight suspects had been arrested in the course of the investigation. Police have additionally seized automobiles allegedly used within the incident, the victims’ belongings, cellphones, paperwork and different digital proof. He stated forensic and digital examinations are persevering with and the investigation is progressing on advantage.
Kamran rejected what he described as misinformation circulating on social media, saying the case was initiated after the victims’ father contacted the Police Helpline 15—not by means of a international embassy. He maintained that the FIR was registered on the written criticism of one of many victims, the medical examination was carried out along with her consent, and the statements earlier than the Justice of the Peace had been recorded freely and with out coercion.
He additional stated the victims appreciated Lahore Police’s skilled conduct and authorized help. Earlier than departing Pakistan, they requested Pakistani flags as a gesture of gratitude, which had been introduced to them by Lahore Police.
Kamran additionally reiterated that police had knowledgeable senior management after discovering that one suspect, recognized as Muhammad Raza Dar, allegedly had hyperlinks to a senior authorities minister. Based on the DIG, the Punjab authorities directed investigators to make sure the suspect acquired no preferential therapy and was handled like some other accused.
The press convention later turned confrontational as journalists challenged a number of facets of the police’s narrative. Reporters questioned Kamran over repeated police claims that officers had “rescued” the ladies, arguing that the victims’ father had alerted authorities in regards to the alleged kidnapping by means of the emergency helpline whereas communication with the suspects was reportedly nonetheless ongoing.
Journalists additionally disputed the official account of the restoration, asking why police continued to explain it as a rescue operation when, in accordance with their model of occasions, the ladies escaped solely after the suspects’ car collided with one other automotive close to Ghazi Highway, prompting native residents to contact the Police Helpline.
Additional questions centred on stories {that a} Station Home Officer (SHO) visited a judicial Justice of the Peace’s residence late at evening to acquire approval for the victims’ medical examinations. Journalists requested whether or not the officer had pressured the Justice of the Peace by saying the DIG wished to talk with him and whether or not Kamran had remained on the telephone in the course of the alternate with out instructing the officer to depart.
One reporter additionally questioned why anti-terrorism expenses had not been thought of if a judicial officer had allegedly been intimidated, noting that comparable authorized provisions had been invoked in earlier circumstances involving interference with judicial officers.
Kamran rejected the criticism, saying he had already addressed the problems throughout his briefing. He maintained that the primary emergency name was acquired by means of the Punjab Secure Cities Authority, after which police launched a direct response. He stated the suspects dispersed following the preliminary police motion, finally main officers to the victims’ location.
The DIG added that investigators possess stay location data and different technical proof supporting the official timeline, arguing that criticism was primarily based on incomplete data and hypothesis.
Nonetheless, as journalists continued urgent him with additional questions, Kamran ended the press convention and left the venue. A number of reporters responded by chanting “Disgrace, Disgrace” as he departed.
