Lahore police have registered a case against five suspects in connection with the abduction and alleged sexual assault of two foreign women in the provincial capital.

According to police officials, the incident came to light when the Police Emergency Helpline 15 received a call from Spain made by the father of one of the victims, reporting that his daughter had been kidnapped along with another foreign national.The victims, one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela, had reportedly travelled to Pakistan to meet acquaintances.

Following the report, senior police officials quickly launched a rescue operation with the help of the Punjab Safe City Authority’s surveillance cameras.Within a short span of time, police traced the suspects, arrested four individuals, and successfully recovered the victims.One suspect, identified as a security guard, managed to escape and is currently being traced by law enforcement agencies.The FIR states that the suspects allegedly demanded a ransom of $1.5 million during the captivity of the women and subjected them to sexual assault.

The rescued women were produced before a judicial magistrate at Cantonment Courts, where their statements were recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code in a closed-door hearing, with legal counsel present for their protection.Authorities also informed the Dutch Embassy about the matter and updated them regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.Medical examinations of the victims were conducted after their recovery.

Officials further stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took immediate notice of the incident and directed swift action, leading to the rapid recovery operation.Police investigations are continuing to ensure all suspects involved are brought before the court and punished according to law.Travel arrangements for the victims are being finalised for their safe departure from Pakistan.