A court in Lahore has granted police a five-day physical remand of four suspects who were arrested in connection with the alleged abduction and sexual assault of two foreign women.According to police reports, a total of five individuals were initially booked in the case, out of which four were taken into custody.The victims are stated to be nationals of the Netherlands and Venezuela.The FIR alleges that the suspects kidnapped the women for ransom and demanded around 1.5 million US dollars during their captivity.It also claims that the victims were subjected to serious criminal offences while being held.On Friday, the investigating officer from the Defence C police station produced the suspects before a judicial magistrate at the Cantonment Courts.The suspects were presented with their faces covered, but the magistrate ordered them to remove their masks during the hearing.

The prosecution requested a 14-day physical remand, arguing that the prime suspect had been identified by the victims and emphasising the seriousness of the case, which they said had damaged Pakistan’s international reputation.

However, the court approved a five-day physical remand instead and directed police to produce the suspects again on July 8 after completion of the remand period.It was also noted that one of the suspects is reportedly a relative of a senior political personality.The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and pursue the remaining suspect involved in the case.