Politics · India Bureau
Pakistani police clear deputy PM's grandson in gang rape case, charge staff instead
Pakistani authorities have cleared Muhammad Raza Dar, grandson of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, of sexual assault charges in a case involving two foreign women, instead naming three of the deputy PM's household staff as accused perpetrators.
LSN India ·
Islamabad — Police in Pakistan have closed charges against five suspects in a sexual assault case involving two foreign women, exonerating Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar's grandson while shifting blame to three domestic staff members employed by the senior politician's household.
Muhammad Raza Dar had faced allegations of gang rape alongside four others. Medical examination of the two alleged victims confirmed sexual assault, according to police records. However, investigators determined there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges against the five original suspects, including the deputy PM's grandson.
The decision has drawn scrutiny from observers who question the investigative process. Police subsequently registered a new case naming three household servants of the deputy PM as accused rapists, effectively redirecting the investigation toward lower-ranking individuals rather than the initially accused suspects.
The case highlights longstanding concerns about equal application of justice in Pakistan's legal system, particularly in matters involving politically connected figures. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar holds significant influence within the current government administration.
No statements regarding the investigation's outcome have been issued by the deputy PM's office or legal representatives at this time.