LAHORE, Pakistan: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has summoned Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar to personally explain the police’s prolonged failure in recovering a woman who allegedly went missing after being abducted six years ago from Kahna.
The order was issued by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum during a hearing on Wednesday, where senior police officials, including CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana and DIG Investigation Zeeshan Raza, appeared before the court but failed to satisfy the bench with their progress reports.
According to police officials, two inquiries into the case had been completed earlier, while a third investigation was now underway. The CCPO informed the court that the missing woman was a housewife who did not even own a mobile phone, making her trace more difficult.
Chief Justice Neelum, visibly irked by the lack of progress, questioned the sincerity of the police efforts. She remarked that there was “no woman the police cannot trace, especially a housewife,” suggesting negligence in the investigative process. The judge further criticized officers for confining themselves to paperwork instead of conducting serious fieldwork.
In light of these lapses, the court directed the Punjab IGP to appear in person and present a clear account of what steps the police are taking. The hearing was adjourned until Thursday, when Dr. Anwar is expected to face the court and provide answers.
The case has once again highlighted the glaring inefficiencies in Pakistan’s law enforcement system, raising concerns over accountability in cases of long-standing abductions.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.