On August 7, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought a detailed response from the District Police Officer (DPO) of Sialkot regarding the disappearance of journalist Rana Shahid Mahmood. Justice Ali Baqir Najfi issued the order following a petition filed by Mahmood’s son, Rana Fraz Shahid, who reported his father missing from Sambrial.
Mahmood, the chairman of Sambrial Press Club, was abducted on July 1, 2024, after reporting on drug dealers. Despite previous court orders, police have not located Mahmood, citing ongoing investigations, including geo-fencing and awaiting a forensic report on CCTV footage. The LHC has now sought a comprehensive update on these efforts.
Faraz Shahid detailed his father’s abduction in his plea, emphasizing Mahmood’s investigative journalism against local drug networks. According to Faraz, Mahmood was taken from a café by unknown individuals, and CCTV footage shows men in police uniforms at the scene.
The petitioner urged the court to direct immediate action for Mahmood’s recovery, expressing frustration over the lack of progress. He recounted how masked individuals used multiple vehicles, including pickup trucks and cars, to carry out the kidnapping. This account aligns with an FIR filed by Mahmood’s nephew, Tahir Sarwar, under Section 365 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The FIR confirms that 20 to 25 masked men abducted Mahmood at gunpoint, also seizing the café’s CCTV DVR. This incident has raised significant concerns about local law enforcement’s role and effectiveness in the investigation. The family’s plea underscores the urgent need for a transparent and effective investigation.
Justice Najfi has instructed the DPO Sialkot to provide a detailed reply on the investigation’s progress. The court has adjourned the hearing, allowing time for a thorough update and ensuring all necessary steps are taken for Mahmood’s recovery.
