A major criminal investigation in Pakistan has taken a political turn after one of the people arrested over the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of two foreign women was identified as a relative of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The case has drawn widespread attention because of the accused’s reported family connection to one of the country’s top political leaders.
Four Suspects Arrested, Court Grants Police Custody
Lahore Police arrested four men in connection with the case. The accused have been identified as Muhammad Raza Dar, Hassan Raza, Sikandar Khan and Sajid Ali. A local court has remanded all four to five days of police custody to allow investigators to continue questioning and collect evidence.
Police officials described the investigation as highly sensitive because Muhammad Raza Dar is reportedly related to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Authorities said the probe would be carried out thoroughly and without overlooking any aspect of the case.
Foreign Women Allegedly Invited To Pakistan
According to investigators, the two women—one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela—became acquainted with Muhammad Raza Dar through a cryptocurrency-related business venture in Singapore during 2025.
Police believe the women were later encouraged to travel to Pakistan on business visas after being promised commercial opportunities. They arrived in Lahore on June 29, where they allegedly became victims of the crime shortly after reaching the city.
Serious Allegations Made By Victims
The victims told investigators that they were allegedly taken to a house in Lahore against their will, where they were held captive and sexually assaulted by multiple accused.
According to the police complaint, the suspects also allegedly demanded ransom for their release while threatening them with further harm. Pakistani media reports have additionally claimed that the victims were threatened with organ harvesting if their demands were not met, though investigators have not officially confirmed those allegations.
Emergency Call Triggered Rescue Operation
Police said the women were rescued after authorities received an emergency alert from Spain, where the father of one of the victims reportedly contacted officials seeking urgent help.
Following the rescue, Lahore Police registered a case under laws dealing with kidnapping for ransom and gang rape. While four suspects are now in custody, investigators said another accused remains absconding and search operations are continuing.
Political Attention Intensifies
The case has generated significant public debate in Pakistan due to the alleged involvement of a close relative of a senior cabinet minister.
Opposition leader and former Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has publicly criticised the incident, claiming the allegations could damage Pakistan’s international image and investor confidence. Meanwhile, police have maintained that the investigation is ongoing and that legal action will proceed based on the evidence collected during the probe.
