The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday voiced strong dissatisfaction with the Punjab Police's efforts to locate missing women and girls throughout the province, describing the high number of unrecovered individuals as a clear indication of police inefficiency. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum made these observations while presiding over a petition filed by Salma Bibi, who sought the recovery of her daughter.
Court Proceedings and Police Report
During the hearing, DIG Investigation Punjab Shoaib Khurram Janbaz, DIG Legal Owais Malik, and other relevant officials appeared before the court. Assistant Advocate General Waqas Umar presented a report on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). According to the report, as of April 22, 2026, a total of 3,258 women and girls had been reported missing across Punjab. Of these, 1,405 have been recovered, while 1,853 remain untraced.
Chief Justice Expresses Concern
Expressing concern over the figures, the chief justice remarked that the situation could have been different if timely and effective measures had been taken by the police. The court was informed that the statistics were based on FIRs registered between 2021 and 2026. DIG Investigation Shoaib Khurram Janbaz stated that a total of 105,244 FIRs had been registered during that period, with 103,351 women and girls recovered. However, 1,847 cases are still pending, and the victims have yet to be traced.
Details on Recovered Girls
When asked about the circumstances of the recovered girls, the DIG said that nearly 80 percent had married of their own free will. Based on their statements, kidnapping cases were subsequently dropped. He added that around 15 percent voluntarily returned home and recorded statements in favor of their parents.
Court Rejects Extension Request
The DIG sought an additional two months to recover the remaining missing girls, but the chief justice rejected the request, noting that six years had already passed and no further extension could be granted. In response to the court's query regarding efforts to trace the remaining girls, the DIG said special teams had been constituted and operations were underway under a coordinated strategy.
Court Directs Progress Report
The court directed police authorities to submit a progress report within two weeks on efforts to recover the remaining missing girls. The chief justice observed that the court was granting a final 15-day opportunity and expected tangible results during that period. The Lahore High Court subsequently directed the DIG Investigation Punjab to submit a comprehensive report on the remaining missing girls and adjourned further hearing of the case until June 18.
