A Lahore court has granted a five-day physical remand of four suspects accused in the alleged abduction and sexual assault of two foreign women, while rejecting the police’s request for a 14-day remand.
The hearing was conducted by Judicial Magistrate Azhar Mahmood at the Cantonment Courts in Lahore. The accused were presented before the court under tight security, and the judge ordered them to remove their face masks during the proceedings.
According to the prosecution, the victims are foreign nationals, and the suspects, including the main accused, Raza Dar, are facing charges of kidnapping and sexual assault. Prosecutors argued that the alleged crime had damaged Pakistan’s international image and sought a 14-day physical remand for further investigation.
However, the court approved only a five-day physical remand and directed the police to submit a progress report at the next hearing.
Separately, both foreign women have now left Pakistan and returned to their respective countries.
Police sources said the victims and the suspects had an existing cryptocurrency business partnership. Investigators believe the women were allegedly lured to Pakistan with promises of further investment opportunities.
According to the investigation, Raza Dar allegedly took the women to a residence in Lahore’s Defence area, where his associates are accused of sexually assaulting them. Police also claim the suspects demanded $1.5 million in alleged cryptocurrency profits, which investigators are treating as an extortion demand.
The Deputy Inspector General (Investigation) confirmed that the victims’ medical reports have been received and will be used to support the ongoing investigation.
Police have arrested Raza Dar, Hassan, Rahim, and Naveed, while one additional suspect remains at large. The case has been registered at Defence Police Station, and investigations are continuing.
