The issue of missing women and girls in Punjab returned to the spotlight during proceedings at the Lahore High Court, where police presented detailed recovery statistics and stated that a large majority of recovered individuals had married by their own choice.
The case was heard by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, who was presiding over a petition seeking the recovery of a woman allegedly abducted from Kasur several years ago.
The hearing raised broader questions about investigation delays, unresolved disappearances, and classification of missing persons cases across the province.
According to a report submitted by Punjab Police, 3,258 women and girls were officially reported missing across the province as of April 22, 2026. Authorities confirmed that 1,405 individuals have been recovered, while 1,853 cases remain unresolved and under active investigation.
Police officials further informed the court that between 2021 and 2026, a total of 105,244 cases related to missing women and girls were registered across Punjab. Of these, 103,351 cases were resolved, largely through recovery operations, while 1,847 cases remain pending.
Deputy Inspector General (Investigation) Shoaib Janbaz stated before the court that nearly 80 percent of recovered women and girls had contracted marriages of their own free will.
He added that approximately 15 percent of recovered individuals returned voluntarily to their families and provided statements in support of parental claims.
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The police position has, however, triggered renewed judicial concern over classification methods used in missing persons cases, particularly where allegations of kidnapping are later withdrawn or converted into consent-based marital disputes.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum expressed dissatisfaction over the number of unresolved cases and questioned the pace of police investigations. The court observed that despite high recovery figures on record, a significant number of families are still awaiting answers regarding their missing relatives.
The bench rejected a request by police seeking an additional two months to complete recoveries in pending cases. Instead, it directed authorities to submit a comprehensive progress report within 15 days, stressing the need for faster investigative action and clearer case tracking mechanisms.
Legal observers note that cases involving missing women in Punjab often involve complex overlaps between criminal allegations, family disputes, and voluntary disappearance claims, making judicial oversight increasingly significant.
The court adjourned further proceedings until June 18, while emphasizing that unresolved missing persons cases require urgent administrative and investigative attention to ensure accountability and timely resolution.
