Punjab Police Report Says Majority of Recovered Missing Girls Married by Choice, LHC Informed

The Punjab Police informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that a significant majority of women and girls recovered after being reported missing in recent years had married of their own choice, leading to the closure of related kidnapping cases against the accused.

The statement was submitted during a hearing before Chief Justice Aalia Neelum in a petition concerning the alleged abduction of a woman from Kasur four years ago.

According to the police report, thousands of cases involving missing women and girls have been registered across Punjab since 2021. Officials stated that a large number of these individuals have since been recovered, while others remain untraced.

Authorities further reported that a considerable proportion of the recovered individuals stated they had entered into marriage voluntarily after leaving home. A smaller number reportedly returned to their families and supported their parents’ claims.

Police officials also provided updated figures on missing persons cases, indicating that most registered cases have been resolved through recoveries, while a limited number remain pending investigation.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice expressed concern over the number of unresolved cases and directed law enforcement authorities to improve recovery efforts. The court also instructed police to submit a detailed progress report within a short timeframe.

The case hearing was adjourned until later this month for further proceedings.