English
English
English
Calls for Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar's resignation are growing (Img: Internet)
Islamabad: Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is facing mounting political pressure after Senator Faisal Vawda called for his immediate resignation following the arrest of one of Dar's relatives in connection with the alleged abduction and gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore.
The case has sparked widespread outrage in Pakistan, with critics accusing the government of attempting to shield the prime accused due to his alleged political connections.
According to PTI, Senator Faisal Vawda alleged that Pakistan's federal government and the Punjab administration tried to protect the accused. He questioned how Ishaq Dar could continue to represent Pakistan internationally while his relative faces serious criminal allegations.
"If there is any concern for Pakistan and its international image, Ishaq Dar should resign immediately," Vawda said, adding that the accused was arrested only after the intervention of a foreign embassy.
Vawda also claimed attempts were being made to dilute the case by portraying it as one of extortion instead of rape and alleged that efforts were underway to send the victims back to their home countries quickly.
The case involves two women from the Netherlands and Venezuela who allegedly travelled to Pakistan on business visas after being invited by Muhammad Raza Dar, whom investigators have identified as the main accused and a relative of Ishaq Dar.
Police said the women had first met Raza Dar in Singapore while working on a cryptocurrency venture. They allege the women were abducted shortly after arriving in Lahore on June 29, held captive, sexually assaulted and forced to hand over money.
A Lahore court has remanded four accused, including Raza Dar, to five days of police custody as investigators continue to probe the case. Authorities have not officially responded to Vawda's allegations, while the investigation into the case remains ongoing.
