A political controversy has erupted in Pakistan after Senator Faisal Vawda called for the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar following the arrest of one of Dar’s relatives in connection with the alleged abduction and gangrape of two foreign women in Lahore.

The case has drawn nationwide attention amid allegations of political influence, attempts to shield the accused, and concerns over Pakistan’s international image.

According to police, the incident took place on June 29 when two foreign nationals—one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela—were allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted by a group of men in Lahore. Investigators have so far arrested four suspects, while one accused remains absconding.

Among those arrested is Muhammad Raza Dar, whom police sources have identified as the prime suspect. Law enforcement officials said he is the grandson of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, although the government has not officially commented on the familial relationship.

During the investigation, police reportedly found that Raza Dar had met the two women in Singapore last year through a cryptocurrency business venture. Investigators allege that he later facilitated their visit to Pakistan by arranging business visas.

The accused were produced before a Lahore court on Friday, which remanded them to five days of police custody for further investigation.

The arrests have triggered political criticism from Senator Faisal Vawda, who questioned whether Ishaq Dar could continue serving as Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister while a close relative faced such serious allegations.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Vawda alleged that both the federal government and the Punjab provincial administration had attempted to protect the accused. He claimed the arrest took place only after the intervention of a foreign embassy representing one of the victims.

"If there is any concern for Pakistan and its international image, Ishaq Dar should resign immediately," Vawda said.

The senator also criticised what he described as the silence of the ruling coalition, noting that neither senior government leaders nor representatives of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had publicly condemned the incident.

Vawda further alleged that efforts were being made to treat the matter as an extortion case rather than a sexual assault investigation. He also claimed authorities were attempting to facilitate the early departure of the two foreign victims from Pakistan, though these allegations have not been independently verified.

The case has sparked wider debate over accountability, the treatment of foreign nationals, and the influence of politically connected individuals within Pakistan's criminal justice system.

Vawda, who is considered politically close to Pakistan’s military establishment, currently serves as an independent senator. Although elected with the support of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the ruling PML-N alliance, he is not formally affiliated with any political party.

Neither Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar nor the Pakistani government had issued an official response to Vawda's resignation demand or the allegations regarding attempts to influence the investigation at the time of reporting.

Meanwhile, police say investigations remain ongoing, with efforts continuing to locate the absconding suspect and gather additional evidence. Authorities have not indicated when formal charges will be filed, and the case remains under judicial process.

The incident has received widespread attention in Pakistan, with observers closely watching the investigation for signs of transparency and institutional independence, particularly given the high-profile political connections alleged in the case.