By Our Correspondent
َLAHORE: Lahore Police on Sunday announced the successful rescue of two Dutch women who were allegedly abducted for ransom, saying both victims were recovered safely within hours through a technology-driven operation that led to the arrest of eight suspects.
Addressing a press conference, Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Faisal Kamran said the rescue operation was launched immediately after Punjab Police received an emergency call from the father of one of the victims, who contacted the Police Helpline 15 through the Punjab Safe Cities Authority’s Universal Access Number (UAN) from abroad on July 1.
According to the police, the caller reported that his daughter and another Dutch national had allegedly been kidnapped in Lahore and that the suspects were demanding ransom for their release.
Special investigation teams were formed without delay, and Lahore Police, with the assistance of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, began a coordinated search operation using CCTV footage, mobile phone data, geo-location tracking and other digital evidence.
Police officials said continuous contact was maintained with one of the victims during the operation. Acting on live location data, law enforcement personnel traced and safely recovered both women near Bhatta Chowk in Lahore within a few hours of receiving the complaint.
DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said a First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Defence-C Police Station on the written complaint of one of the victims. The women voluntarily underwent medico-legal examinations, while their statements were recorded before a judicial magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
He added that Lahore Police remained in constant coordination with the Embassy of the Netherlands through Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure all diplomatic and legal requirements were fulfilled before both women departed safely for their home country.
Eight suspects arrested
During the investigation, police arrested eight suspects allegedly linked to the case. Authorities also seized vehicles believed to have been used during the incident, along with the victims’ luggage, mobile phones, travel documents and other digital evidence.
Officials said forensic examinations and digital analysis are underway, while investigators continue collecting evidence to strengthen the case before it proceeds to court.
Police reject misinformation
Responding to reports circulating on social media, Faisal Kamran clarified that the case was initiated following a direct emergency call from the victim’s father and not through the Dutch Embassy, contrary to claims made online.
He stressed that the FIR was registered solely on the written request of the complainant, while the medico-legal examination and judicial statements were conducted with the victims’ consent and in accordance with Pakistani law.
The DIG said every stage of the rescue operation, investigation and arrests was carried out transparently and strictly within the legal framework.
Victims thank Lahore Police
According to Lahore Police, the two Dutch women appreciated the professionalism, timely response and legal assistance provided throughout the rescue operation.
Officials said that before leaving Pakistan, the women expressed gratitude to the police and requested a Pakistani national flag as a souvenir, which was presented to them by Lahore Police.
DIG Faisal Kamran reaffirmed that investigations are continuing on merit and that all individuals found responsible will be brought before the courts based on credible evidence.
He also urged the public and media organizations to avoid spreading unverified information and rely only on official and authenticated updates regarding the case.
