Over 500 Cases of Missing Girls Pending in Punjab, Court Hears

LAHORE: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rao Abdul Karim informed the Lahore High Court on Wednesday that over 500 cases of missing girls are currently pending in Punjab. The revelation came during a hearing of a petition filed by Sadia Hussain, a resident of Faisalabad, who sought the recovery of her daughter.

During the proceedings, IGP Karim confirmed that Hussain’s daughter had been recovered. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, presiding over the case, inquired about the total number of missing girls reported to the police. The IGP’s disclosure highlighted a significant issue within the province’s law enforcement system.

Chief Justice Neelum expressed concern regarding the apparent lack of proactive measures by the police in handling such sensitive cases. She noted that the police often seem to act only after the court intervenes, citing a specific case where a girl missing for two years was located only after judicial notice was taken.

In response to the Chief Justice’s inquiries, IGP Karim stated that special committees have been established to address cases involving children and women. The court’s engagement in these matters underscores the ongoing challenges faced by families of missing persons and the need for more effective police action.