Punjab Police Reportedly Assaults Australian Citizen in Lahore

An Australian national of Pakistani origin, Khawaja Zeeshan, has filed a formal complaint against three police officers, accusing them of physical assault and theft in Lahore’s Bhati Gate police jurisdiction.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred on October 24 in the Tibbi City area, where three police personnel allegedly stopped Zeeshan’s vehicle and began beating him without cause. The officers later claimed they had signaled him to stop, but he did not comply.

Zeeshan stated that during the alleged assault, the officers punched and kicked him repeatedly, leaving his face covered in blood and visible injuries on his hands and legs. He added that the police then took him to Bhati Gate Police Station against his will.

In his application, Zeeshan alleged that the policemen also confiscated his mobile phone and car keys, preventing him from contacting anyone for help. He said his niece and her husband later arrived at the station and managed to secure his release.

The victim further claimed that the officers stole AUD 3,000 (Rs. 5.49 lakh) that were inside his vehicle. He appealed to senior officials for justice, stating, “I am an Australian citizen, and the police have wronged me. I request that action be taken against those responsible.”

Responding to media inquiries, SP City Bilal Ahmed confirmed that an internal inquiry is underway. “We are verifying when and how the incident happened,” he said.