Court extends remand in foreign women case

A Lahore court has granted police a four-day extension in the physical remand of three suspects accused in the alleged

A Lahore court has granted police a four-day extension in the physical remand of three suspects accused in the alleged abduction and sexual assault of two foreign women. The decision gives investigators more time to recover evidence and complete key aspects of the investigation.

The suspects, identified as Rizwan, Nawaz and Nasir, were produced before Judicial Magistrate Azhar Mahmood after the expiry of their previous five-day physical remand. During the hearing, the court asked investigators about the progress made while the suspects remained in police custody.

The prosecution informed the court that investigators had recovered weapons from two of the suspects. However, police said the firearm allegedly used by the third suspect has not yet been recovered. Investigators also told the court they are still searching for cash, jewellery and a wristwatch believed to be linked to the alleged crime.

Police requested additional custody, arguing that more time was required to complete the recovery of evidence, verify facts and conclude other stages of the investigation. After hearing the arguments, the court approved the request and handed the suspects back to police on a four-day physical remand.

The case was registered after two foreign women accused several men of abducting and sexually assaulting them. According to the complaint, the women travelled to Pakistan after accepting an invitation from a man they had met in Singapore in October 2025.

The women alleged they were kidnapped on June 29 by the acquaintance and several accomplices. They claimed the suspects demanded ransom for their release and subjected them to repeated sexual assault, physical abuse and threats with weapons during their captivity.

The investigation began after authorities received an emergency call from the father of one of the women, who was in the Netherlands. He informed officials that his daughter had allegedly been abducted in Pakistan and that ransom had been demanded for her release.

Police launched an operation using Safe City surveillance cameras and intelligence-based investigations. The two women were rescued within a few hours, while several suspects were arrested during the operation. Raids are continuing to arrest the remaining suspects believed to be involved in the case.