Canadian National Disappears from DHA Phase 10
Lahore police have registered a kidnapping case against unidentified suspects after a Canadian national reportedly went missing in the city. The case was filed on Saturday following a complaint by a close friend of the missing individual.
The Canadian citizen has been identified as Hamza Ahmad. According to the First Information Report (FIR), Ahmad arrived in Pakistan on February 13 to conduct research for his PhD thesis. He was staying with a friend in DHA Phase 10 at the time of his disappearance.
The complaint was lodged at a police station in Defence Housing Authority by Yousif Rasheed, a friend of Ahmad. The FIR states that Ahmad left the residence between 1am and 2am on February 19 after booking a cab. He did not return home.
Friends initially searched for him on their own. They were unable to trace his whereabouts. The FIR states that unknown persons may have kidnapped Ahmad and requests legal action against those responsible.
Police Launch Investigation, Motive Unclear
Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed that a kidnapping case has been registered. He said police are making all-out efforts to recover the missing Canadian national.
“At this stage, we do not know who might have kidnapped Ahmad or whether he went missing under other circumstances,” the DIG said. He added that the motive behind the alleged kidnapping remains unknown.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage and tracking digital records. Investigators are also examining ride-hailing service data linked to the cab Ahmad reportedly booked. Authorities said further details will be shared as the investigation progresses.
Law enforcement agencies have not ruled out any possibilities. Officials said they are coordinating with relevant departments to trace Ahmad’s last known movements.
Rights Groups and Activists Express Concern
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed grave concern over the reported disappearance. In a post on X, the commission said it was deeply troubled by reports that Ahmad had “gone missing” while conducting field research in Pakistan.
The commission urged authorities to immediately trace his whereabouts and ensure his safe recovery. It called for transparency in the investigation process.
Political activist Ammar Ali Jan also commented on the case. In a social media post, he said he had recently met Ahmad in Lahore. He described him as a PhD scholar from Canada researching anti-imperialist politics.
The opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan also issued a statement. It said the right to pursue academic research and express scholarly views is fundamental in a democratic society. The alliance added that silencing researchers undermines intellectual freedom.
Academics and social media users have voiced similar concerns. Many have called for swift action and accountability.
Police say the case remains under active investigation. Authorities have assured that every effort is being made to locate the missing scholar.
