Over 100,000 Women Kidnapping Cases Reported in Punjab Over Five Years, Majority Declared Voluntary Marriages

Lahore: Shocking details regarding women kidnapping cases in Punjab have emerged, revealing that over 100,000 cases were registered in the province during the past five years.
According to a report submitted by the Inspector General of Punjab Police to the Lahore High Court, a total of 105,244 cases related to alleged abduction of women were registered between January 2021 and December 2025. The report further states that 105,571 women were reportedly involved in these cases.
Out of the total, 70,773 cases were registered under Section 365 of the law, while 80,767 cases were later cancelled. The report reveals that in 77 percent of the cases, the alleged abducted women appeared before courts and stated that they had not been kidnapped but had left voluntarily for marriage.
The report further notes that 3,864 cases are currently under investigation, while 612 women have been recovered and presented before the court. However, 3,258 women are still untraced.
In addition, 1,432 cases involve named suspects and are still under investigation. Authorities also stated that 1,820 cases are facing legal and investigative challenges.
The Punjab Police have directed district police heads to review the performance of investigation officers, warning that strict departmental action will be taken against those found guilty of negligence or incompetence.