By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – A Cantt Court in Lahore on Friday granted a five-day physical remand of four suspects arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping of two foreign nationals, allowing investigators additional time to collect evidence and complete key stages of the investigation.
Judicial Magistrate Azhar Mahmood issued the order after the accused were presented before the court by Investigation Officer Abdul Rehman Butt. Police had requested a 14-day physical remand, arguing that further custody was necessary to recover weapons allegedly used during the crime, trace the ransom money and conduct detailed interrogations.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court approved a five-day remand and directed investigators to present the accused again on July 8. A copy of the order has also been forwarded to the Sessions Judge, Lahore, for administrative oversight.
The prime suspect, Ahmad Raza Dar, son of Mazhar Hayyat Dar and a resident of Shahdara, Lahore, was named in the original First Information Report (FIR). Three additional suspects — Sikandar Aziz Khan, Hassan Raza and Sajid Ali — were later arrested after investigators recorded a supplementary statement from the complainant, which allegedly linked them to the case.
According to police officials, the investigation is focused on determining the role played by each suspect and gathering further evidence that could strengthen the prosecution’s case. Investigators are also examining digital records, communication data and financial transactions that may provide additional leads.
Assistant District Public Prosecutors Mian Sajid and Nazar Iqbal represented the state during the hearing. They informed the court that police required additional time to recover evidence believed to be crucial for completing the investigation.
The prosecution argued that the suspects were allegedly involved in a coordinated criminal operation and that further interrogation could help identify other individuals connected to the case. Authorities also hope to recover the alleged ransom amount and identify locations where the victims were reportedly held.
Court documents indicate that the case includes serious allegations under Section 365-A of the Pakistan Penal Code relating to kidnapping for ransom and Section 375-A, which falls under provisions governed by the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021.
Because of the gravity of the charges, investigators are required to follow special legal procedures prescribed under the Act, including timely evidence collection and coordination with prosecutors.
Police officials say forensic evidence, witness statements and technical analysis will play an important role in determining the facts of the case. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from multiple locations to establish the suspects’ movements before and after the alleged incident.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the rescued foreign nationals, citing security and privacy concerns. Officials said their statements have been recorded and will form part of the prosecution’s evidence during trial.
The high-profile case has attracted considerable public attention due to the involvement of foreign nationals and the seriousness of the allegations. Security analysts say such incidents can affect international confidence and highlight the importance of effective law enforcement and rapid investigations.
Legal experts note that physical remand allows investigators to question suspects and recover evidence but does not determine guilt. The accused remain entitled to a fair trial under Pakistani law, and all allegations must be proven before a competent court.
Police officials say investigations are progressing and additional arrests cannot be ruled out if new evidence emerges during the inquiry.
The Lahore Police have reaffirmed their commitment to completing the investigation professionally and presenting all available evidence before the court. Officials say every aspect of the case will be examined thoroughly to ensure those responsible, if found guilty, are prosecuted according to the law.
The suspects will now remain in police custody until July 8, when investigators are expected to submit a progress report before the court and seek further legal directions regarding the ongoing investigation.
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