Dutch woman, travel partner abducted, sexually assaulted in Pakistan; Gang rape alleged
In late June, a Dutch woman and her travel companion from Venezuela were victims of abduction, beatings, extortion, and sexual assault in Pakistan. Pakistani media also alleges a possible gang rape. Four suspects have been arrested in the case, including a relative of Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar. A fifth suspect remains at large.
The two women arrived in Pakistan on June 26 after being invited by a business contact they said they had met months earlier in Singapore, NU.nl reported. After visiting sites in Islamabad, they traveled on June 29 to Lahore for what they were told would be a birthday party at a private residence.
Upon arrival, they discovered the house was empty. Shortly afterward, four masked men entered the property, according to statements cited by local media.
The women were reportedly beaten, extorted, and sexually assaulted during the incident. Some media outlets reported that gang rape may have taken place.
At one point, the Dutch woman was ordered to call her family to demand money. During that call, she managed to send a code word that alerted her family that something was wrong.
After nearly three days, the women took advantage of an opportunity to escape by jumping out of the vehicle during their transfer.
Pakistani police have arrested four suspects in connection with the case. One of them is a relative of Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, reportedly possibly his grandson. A fifth suspect is still being sought.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance, according to a spokesperson speaking to the ANP news agency.
