SAHIWAL – The law and order situation in Sahiwal and its surrounding areas has taken a’ alarming turn following a series of abductions. In several separate incidents, eight girls—including three students—were reported kidnapped.
In a swift response, Sahiwal police have successfully recovered three of the victims and apprehended nine suspects involved in these crimes.
Audacious Abductions and Significant Financial Loss
The wave of kidnappings has been accompanied by heavy financial losses, as suspects reportedly looted millions in cash and jewelry during the commissions of these crimes. Key incidents include:
Pakpattan Chowk: An 18-year-old girl (identified by initials T) was abducted while returning from the city with her brother. While stopping at a petrol pump, suspects snatched her along with 1 million PKR worth of jewelry and 200,000 PKR in cash.
Gulshan Ali Housing Colony: A 16-year-old 8th-grade student (M) was kidnapped in a car by a suspect named Nadeem and four accomplices. The group also made off with 500,000 PKR from her home.
Chak 136-9L: The 17-year-old daughter (A) of a laborer was taken by a suspect identified as Awais and his associates. They reportedly stole 1.5 million PKR in jewelry and 70,000 PKR in cash.
Peoples Colony: In a particularly violent incident, the 16-year-old daughter (R) of a widow was dragged by her hair into a van before the suspects sped away.
Targeted Attacks in Public Spaces
The kidnappings were not limited to residential areas. In Chak 68-4R, a 14-year-old girl was abducted at gunpoint in a graveyard while visiting to offer prayers with her mother and siblings. Additional cases were reported from Chak 11-L, Chak 112-7R, and Chak 69-12L, involving suspects on motorcycles and in cars.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Sahiwal police have registered eight separate cases under Section 365-B of the Pakistan Penal Code across various police stations, including Ghalla Mandi, Noor Shah, Harappa, City Chichawatni, and Shah Kot.
“We have successfully recovered three of the girls safely. Nine suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
The First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed on the complaints of Gulnaz Bibi, Imran Ali, Yasmin Bibi, and others. Authorities have stated that specialized teams are conducting raids to ensure the safe recovery of the remaining victims.