Lahore court summons Punjab police chief over missing women cases

The Lahore High Court has summoned Punjab's inspector general of police (IGP) to appear in person on November 11 over the recovery of missing women, after expressing concern about police performance and gaps in official data.

The Lahore High Court has summoned Punjab’s inspector general of police (IGP) to appear in person on November 11 over the recovery of missing women, after expressing concern about police performance and gaps in official data.

Chief Justice Aalia Neelum was hearing a petition filed by a woman seeking the recovery of her daughter when a police report on missing women and girls was presented to the court.

According to the report, nearly 14,000 cases involving the abduction of women were registered over the past five years, while 452 women had yet to be recovered.

Neelum expressed displeasure over the absence of figures for 2026. Assistant Advocate General Punjab asked the court for more time to submit the missing data.

A deputy inspector general of police responsible for crime matters told the court that show-cause notices had been issued to investigating officers accused of negligence in the cases.

The chief justice also questioned whether an official assigned to deal with cases involving missing women was making TikTok videos while on duty, asking whether such activity was permitted under police rules.

The police official replied that action would be taken against anyone found making TikTok videos in violation of the rules.

The court hearing was held on an application seeking the recovery of the petitioner’s daughter.