Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on Thursday ordered Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Karim to appear in person on November 11 after objecting to police officers making and uploading TikTok videos about missing girls.

What Prompted the Court's Summons?

The order came while the chief justice was hearing a petition filed by Salma Bibi, who is seeking the recovery of her allegedly missing daughter. Bibi questioned how officers engaged in making video clips could trace missing girls and expressed dissatisfaction with the committee formed to recover them.

How Many Girls Have Been Recovered and How Many Remain Missing?

Punjab DIG (Crimes) Ali Janbaz and DIG (Legal) Awais Malik appeared before the court and a law officer submitted a report on abduction and recovery cases. The report states that police have recovered 2,810 girls while 452 remain missing. Four of the outstanding cases date back to 2021.

Why Did the Chief Justice Emphasise Timelines?

Commenting on the delay, Chief Justice Neelum said the court cannot wait until 2032 to examine cases registered in 2024. Her remarks underscored the urgency of addressing pending investigations before they become statutory dead-ends.

What Role Did Social Media Play in Tracing Missing Girls?

Police officers told the court that a social media application had helped trace a considerable number of missing girls. An officer from the investigation wing said most of the outstanding cases were reported from Rawalpindi, Sialkot and Nankana Sahib, indicating regional clusters that may benefit from targeted outreach.

What Actions Are Expected Against Officers Who Posted TikTok Videos?

The court was also informed that action would be taken against the police officials involved in making and uploading the TikTok videos. While the specific disciplinary measures were not detailed, the court's language suggested that the behaviour breached professional standards and could undermine public confidence.

What Is the Next Step in the Legal Process?

The proceedings were adjourned until November 11, when IGP Abdul Karim must appear before Chief Justice Neelum. The court is likely to review the IGP's response, assess any disciplinary recommendations, and issue further directives on the handling of the 452 missing-girl cases.

Background: Police Handling of Missing-Girl Cases in Punjab

Punjab's police force has long maintained a dedicated unit for abduction and recovery, operating under the provincial Home Department. The unit compiles data on reported disappearances, conducts field investigations, and collaborates with families, NGOs, and media outlets. Over the past decade, the province has seen a rise in reported missing-girl cases, prompting the creation of specialized committees and the adoption of technology-driven tools such as geo-tagging and digital forensics.

In recent years, social media platforms have become both a resource and a risk. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook enable rapid dissemination of information, but they also allow officials to share content that may be perceived as frivolous or insensitive. The LHC's intervention reflects growing judicial scrutiny of how law-enforcement agencies use these platforms while handling sensitive investigations.

Explainer: How Courts Can Influence Police Conduct

When a high court issues a summons, it compels the named official to appear and answer specific questions. Failure to comply can result in contempt proceedings, fines, or even custodial sentences for the official. In this case, the chief justice's order signals that the judiciary expects police leadership to account for any conduct that could impede investigations or erode public trust.

The court may also direct internal police inquiries, recommend disciplinary actions, or order the formation of an independent oversight committee. Such measures are intended to ensure procedural fairness, protect victims' rights, and maintain the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Impact on Families and Communities

The petition filed by Salma Bibi highlights the personal toll of unresolved disappearances. Families of missing girls often face prolonged uncertainty, financial strain, and social stigma. When police officers appear to prioritize entertainment over duty, it can deepen mistrust and discourage community cooperation, which is essential for locating missing persons.

Regional hotspots such as Rawalpindi, Sialkot and Nankana Sahib, identified by the investigation wing, may see increased community outreach programs, awareness campaigns, and faster response times if the court's directives are implemented effectively.

What Citizens Should Watch For

Stakeholders should monitor the November 11 hearing for any of the following outcomes:

  • Specific disciplinary actions against officers who posted TikTok videos.
  • Mandated revisions to police social-media policies.
  • New timelines or targets for recovering the remaining 452 missing girls.
  • Potential establishment of an independent monitoring body.

These developments will shape how Punjab's police handle missing-girl cases moving forward and may set a precedent for other provinces.

Practical Takeaways for Readers

For families seeking assistance, the court's focus on accountability suggests that filing petitions and engaging legal counsel can prompt higher-level scrutiny of police performance. Community groups should continue to document and report any irregularities, as judicial oversight often relies on citizen-generated evidence.

Law-enforcement agencies are reminded to adopt clear guidelines for social-media use, ensuring that any public communication supports, rather than distracts from, investigative goals.