Deputy PM Ishaq Dar’s relative among four arrested over alleged gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore
Pakistani police have arrested four men, including a relative of deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar, over the alleged gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore.The suspects: Muhammad Raza Dar, Hassan Raza, Sikandar Khan and Sajid Ali were produced before a Lahore court on Friday, which sent them to five days’ police remand. A fifth suspect remains absconding and police said efforts are underway to arrest him.According to police, Muhammad Raza Dar, identified as the main accused, is related to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. A police officer said the case was being investigated from all angles because of its sensitivity.The two women, one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela, were allegedly abducted and gang raped after arriving in Lahore on June 29. Police rescued them after receiving a call from the father of one of the victims from Spain.A case has been registered under sections related to kidnapping and gang rape of the Pakistan Penal Code.Police said the women told investigators that they met Raza Dar in Singapore in October 2025, where they became involved in a cryptocurrency business venture. Raza Dar later invited them to Pakistan and arranged business visas for their visit. According to the victims’ statements, they were abducted shortly after arriving in Lahore and taken to a house where they were allegedly gang raped. They also alleged that the accused demanded ransom for their release.A court official said the victims identified Muhammad Raza Dar as the prime suspect when the four accused were presented before the magistrate.Police said the investigation is continuing.(with inputs from PTI)
