LAHORE: Two foreign women were rescued in Lahore after police conducted a swift operation following the intervention of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, authorities said on Thursday. According to police, the operation was launched after the chief minister took notice of an emergency kidnapping report received through Pakistan's emergency helpline from the Netherlands. Police recovered the women within two hours and arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the abduction. The rescued women, nationals of the Netherlands and Venezuela, had travelled to Pakistan to meet their friends. The father of one of the victims, who was in the Netherlands, alerted Pakistani authorities by reporting the alleged kidnapping through the emergency helpline.
Details of the Rescue Operation
According to the FIR, the suspects allegedly abducted the women for ransom and demanded $1.5 million for their release. The accused are also facing allegations of sexual assault. A police spokesperson said officers immediately launched a rescue operation after receiving the complaint. With the assistance of Safe City surveillance cameras, investigators traced the suspects' location and safely recovered the victims.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Police said a case has been registered at Defence C Police Station under FIR No. 1560/26. Two suspects have been arrested, while raids are continuing to apprehend other accused. Authorities said the victims are undergoing medical examinations, while further legal action is being taken based on the available evidence.
