LHC seeks report on 462 missing women in Punjab, summons IG Abdul Kareem

The issue of missing women in Punjab has once again come under judicial scrutiny after the Lahore High Court disclosed that 462 women

LAHORE:  The issue of missing women in Punjab has once again come under judicial scrutiny after the Lahore High Court disclosed that 462 women remain untraced, reviving concerns over the recovery of Pakistani-origin American women who have previously gone missing under controversial circumstances.

During a hearing concerning missing women cases, Chief Justice Lahore High Court Justice Alia Neelam expressed serious dissatisfaction with the police investigation and summoned Inspector General Punjab Abdul Kareem in person on Tuesday, November 11. The court directed him to present a comprehensive report detailing the steps taken to trace and recover the missing women.

American-Origin Pakistani Women’s Cases Resurface

The proceedings also brought renewed attention to the disappearance of Wajiha Swati, a Pakistani-origin American citizen who went missing after arriving at Islamabad Airport on October 16, 2021.

Her disappearance had attracted international attention, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) becoming involved in the case. The Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench had also issued strict directions to police authorities regarding the investigation and her recovery.

Another case involving an American-origin Pakistani woman, Ghulam Ghausia Akhunzada, has also drawn attention in recent months. She approached the Islamabad High Court after alleging that her husband had brought their two minor sons, eight-year-old Arham and five-year-old Haider, to Pakistan without her consent.

The Islamabad High Court subsequently directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to take steps for the recovery of the children.

These cases have once again highlighted the difficulties faced by overseas Pakistani families in matters involving missing persons and disputed custody arrangements.

Chief Justice Questions Police Performance

During the hearing, the court expressed concern over the police department’s handling of missing women investigations. According to the report presented by the DIG Crime, 462 women remain missing in Punjab, including four cases dating back to 2021.

Chief Justice Alia Neelam criticised the assignment of such sensitive investigations to an officer who was already occupied with other responsibilities.

The Chief Justice reportedly remarked that the officer concerned remained busy making TikTok videos and questioned when he would find time to perform his official duties.

The court further questioned the effectiveness of departmental action against police personnel who create social media content while wearing uniforms, particularly when numerous missing women cases remain unresolved for years.

IG Punjab Faces Judicial Scrutiny

The summoning of IG Punjab Abdul Kareem has placed the provincial police leadership under considerable judicial pressure.

Since assuming office in February 2026, the IG has reportedly highlighted improvements in the police response to violence against women and disappearance cases. However, the figures presented before the court have raised questions about the effectiveness of these measures.

The Chief Justice directed the provincial police chief to personally explain the situation and submit a detailed recovery report by the next hearing.

The court also indicated that failure to provide a satisfactory response could result in strict legal consequences, including possible contempt of court proceedings.

The upcoming hearing is expected to be significant in determining whether the police can demonstrate meaningful progress in tracing the missing women and establishing accountability for investigative delays.

The proceedings have once again placed women’s safety, police performance and institutional responsibility at the centre of public attention.