LAHORE: Significant progress is reported to have been made into in the investigation of the high-profile kidnapping, gang rape, and extortion case involving foreign women in Lahore’s Defence area, with forensic results confirming DNA matches of three accused.
Media reports quoted investigative sources disclosing that the DNA of accused Nawaz, Sajid, and Sikandar has matched samples taken from one of the victims. Nawaz’s name tops the list, with findings indicating he was the first to assault the foreign woman. Sajid and Sikandar allegedly followed, acting at Nawaz’s instigation.
Police had earlier sent DNA samples of eight suspects to the forensic laboratory for cross-matching. Sources said the remaining samples are still under analysis, with further results expected to clarify the involvement of other accused.
The case, it may be added here, has already drawn international attention, with victims’ statements under Section 164 challenging the government’s claim that police rescued them.
Testimonies from Spanish national Stroud Gabriela Robinson and her companion Stephanie described harrowing details of their ordeal, implicating Raza Dar as central to the abduction and extortion plot.
Earlier, Lahore police produced Raza Dar and four co-accused — Hassan Raza, Sikandar Khan, and Sajid Ali — before Judicial Magistrate Azhar Mahmood at Cantt Kachary. The court granted their physical remand until July 8, following prosecution arguments that the incident had brought disrepute to the country and required thorough interrogation.
The latest forensic findings strengthen the prosecution’s case, intensifying scrutiny of the accused and raising pressure on authorities to ensure accountability in a matter that has already damaged Pakistan’s international image.
