A heartbreaking case of a missing child has once again raised serious concerns about law enforcement’s response to child abduction cases in Pakistan. Despite the passage of an entire year, the victim’s family continues to search for answers while alleging that the authorities have failed to register an FIR or conduct an effective investigation.
Child Allegedly Abducted in Gujranwala
According to the family, on 27 July 2025, a young man named Hamza was allegedly abducted from Gujranwala. The family claims that the abduction was carried out by an individual associated with the Crime Control Department (CCD) Gujranwala, who allegedly forced Hamza into a vehicle. The incident was reportedly captured on CCTV footage, which the family says has been submitted to the relevant authorities.
Legal Proceedings Before the High Court
Following the alleged abduction, the family approached the High Court by filing a Habeas Corpus Petition seeking Hamza’s recovery. During the proceedings, the Court directed the family to pursue legal remedies in Peshawar, as there was information suggesting that the missing person might be located there.
The family subsequently filed another Habeas Corpus Petition before the competent court in Peshawar. In response, the concerned police station reportedly informed the court that although a criminal case had been registered against Hamza, he had never been arrested and was not in police custody. The court proceedings ultimately concluded without Hamza being recovered.
Alleged Failure to Register an FIR
The family alleges that over the past year they have submitted numerous written applications to the City Police Officer (CPO) Gujranwala, the concerned Station House Officer (SHO), and other police officials requesting the registration of an FIR regarding the abduction. However, according to the family, no kidnapping case has been registered to date.
They further claim that instead of being treated as an abduction victim, Hamza has effectively become another “missing person” whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Extortion Demands From Unknown Callers
Adding to the family’s distress, they allege that throughout the past year they have repeatedly received calls from unknown numbers demanding large sums of money in exchange for Hamza’s release. Due to their financial circumstances, the family states that they are unable to meet these ransom demands.
If these allegations are accurate, the matter extends beyond a simple missing person case and may involve kidnapping for ransom, a serious criminal offence requiring immediate investigation.
Appeal for a Joint Investigation Team
The grieving family has appealed directly to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Chief Minister of Punjab, and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, requesting the constitution of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the case across provincial jurisdictions.
They believe that coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies are essential to locating Hamza and identifying those responsible for his alleged abduction.
A Call for Immediate Action
The emotional appeal highlights the pain of parents who have spent an entire year waiting for their loved one to return home. The family urges all relevant investigative agencies to take immediate and effective action by tracing those allegedly making ransom demands, conducting a thorough investigation, and ensuring that justice is served.
Every missing person case deserves prompt attention, particularly where allegations of abduction and extortion are involved. A timely, transparent, and impartial investigation is essential not only for the affected family but also for maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on the statements and allegations made by the affected family. These claims have not been independently verified by this publication, and all accused persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.