Ishaq Dar's grandson, three others remanded again in Lahore foreign women case

A Lahore court on Tuesday granted a five-day physical remand to four suspects, including Raza Dar, grandson of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in a case involving the alleged abduction and rape of two foreign women.

The suspects, who appeared in court wearing masks, will be produced again on July 13.

Who is Raza Dar, Ishaq Dar's grandson?

Raza Dar is one of four suspects held in a Lahore case involving the alleged abduction, rape and ransom demand targeting two foreign women.

He is the grandson of Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister. His alleged involvement has fueled political controversy, with opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf demanding Dar's resignation.

Why was the remand extended in the Lahore case?

The Lahore Cantonment Courts approved the additional remand so police could recover items linked to the case. These include a ransom amount, a vehicle and weapons allegedly connected to the crime, according to court proceedings.

Lawyer Salman Shahid appeared for two of the suspects, Sikandar and Sajid, becoming the first defense lawyer to appear for any of the accused. No lawyer has yet appeared on behalf of the other suspects.

How did the Lahore foreign women case begin?

The case opened on July 1, when the father of one of the women contacted Pakistan's Police Helpline 15 from abroad to report an alleged abduction and ransom demand.

Lahore police said they rescued both women within hours using surveillance technology, mobile phone data and digital evidence. Officers later arrested eight suspects in total in connection with the case.

What does the forensic evidence show?

Forensic officials have said DNA samples from three suspects matched samples taken from one of the victims. Analysis of samples from the remaining suspects is still ongoing, officials said. Authorities have not announced any conclusion to the investigation, which remains active.

What is the political fallout for Ishaq Dar?

The case has stirred political controversy since reports linked one of Ishaq Dar's grandsons to the investigation. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has alleged his involvement and called for the foreign minister's resignation. Dar has not issued a public response to the allegations as the investigation continues.