Karim Ullah Sraw

Managing Partner, Sraw's Legal Services Firm

[Saadia Afzaal @SaadiaAfzaal]

Just a thought amid all the noise, outrage and instant political conclusions flying around since yesterday.

First and foremost, the allegations in the Lahore kidnapping and rape case are horrific and must be investigated properly. No one should downplay what has been alleged. If a crime has been committed, justice must be done without pressure, privilege or political interference.

But we also need to be honest: at this stage, these are allegations. We do not actually know who is guilty and who is not. That is exactly why investigations, evidence, statements and due process matter. Social media can shout, accuse and convict within minutes, but the law is supposed to work on facts, not hashtags.

Asking questions is not the same as dismissing the complainants.

One important question is this: if the FIR and what was reportedly presented before the judge suggest that Raza Dar was not directly accused of rape, and if the complainants themselves claimed that he was also a victim or caught up in the matter, then why is the public conversation being shaped as if guilt has already been proven?

If there is a wider dispute, financial angle, crypto angle or another side to the story, should that not also be investigated with the same seriousness?

Again, this does not mean the allegations should be ignored. It means the complete record should be looked at before people reach political and legal conclusions.

Another thing that raises questions is this: if the matter is this serious, why were the complainants taken out of Pakistan almost immediately while the case was still unfolding?

Why were their respective embassies so eager to have them removed from the country before the investigation had properly progressed?

That may have been done for safety, diplomatic or consular reasons, but it is still unusual enough for people to ask why. In any serious case, especially one involving foreign nationals, the presence of complainants, statements, evidence and cooperation with investigators can be crucial.

The family also says they ensured Raza’s arrest. Given the influence being talked about, if the aim was to protect him or help him escape, surely there were easier ways to do that. In cases like this, people with connections often disappear abroad before anyone can even say “investigation.” Yet here, he was arrested.

What is also hard to ignore is how quickly this case turned into calls for Ishaq Dar’s resignation. Not calls for a transparent investigation first. Not calls for due process first. Straight to resignation.

And that too from some voices who rarely criticize the PML-N.

This is where the timing becomes interesting.

For weeks, rumours have already been circulating about Ishaq Dar’s possible replacement. At the same time, Dar has taken clear positions on Pakistan not recognizing Israel, not signing the Abraham Accords and not allowing Pakistan’s foreign policy to be shaped under outside pressure.

He has also been central to Pakistan’s diplomatic positioning during a very sensitive regional moment. The Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the Field Marshal have been closely involved in Pakistan’s engagement around Iran and the United States at a time when the region was on edge.

That matters.

Dar was not just sitting in the background. He has been part of the diplomatic messaging, the regional engagement and the balancing act between Iran, the United States, the Gulf and the wider pressure around Israel.

Since his criticism of Israel and the UAE’s role in regional politics, it is interesting how certain people who normally stay silent have suddenly found courage, volume and moral urgency.

Maybe they all discovered principles at the same time. Strange timing, but miracles do happen.

Nobody is saying ignore the allegations. Nobody is saying protect anyone. If the accused is guilty, the law should act fully and firmly.

If anyone helped, protected or interfered, they should also be held accountable.

But we should not pretend allegations are the same as convictions.

We should not pretend headlines are the same as evidence.

And we should not allow a serious criminal case to become instant political ammunition before the investigation is complete.

Justice should be done.

But justice should not become a convenient political tool.

Coincidence? Maybe.

But the timing is definitely worth thinking about.

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

دو غیر ملکی خواتین کے اغوا، تشدد، حملے اور بھتہ خوری کا حالیہ واقعہ اور اس کے نتیجے میں رضا ڈار کی گرفتاری انتہائی افسوسناک ہے۔ جہاں ایک طرف وزیراعلیٰ کی بروقت مداخلت و دیانت داری اور تمام ملزمان کی گرفتاری ایک خوش آئند اقدام ہے، وہیں محض عوامی تاثر کو خوش کرنے کی خاطر (رضا ڈار کو گرفتار کر کے) اعلیٰ عدالتوں کے طے شدہ اصولوں کی صریح خلاف ورزی مایوس کن ہے۔

ایف آئی آر (FIR) کے مندرجات کے مطابق، جو کہ مدعیہ کا بیان ہے، رضا ڈار نے فہرست میں شامل سنگین جرائم میں سے کوئی بھی جرم نہیں کیا۔ خود مدعیہ کا کہنا ہے کہ: (الف) رضا ڈار نے خود کو متاثرہ ظاہر کیا۔ (ب) رضا ڈار جنسی زیادتی یا عصمت دری کے کسی بھی جرم میں ملوث نہیں تھے۔ (ج) رضا ڈار مسلسل پیسوں کا مطالبہ کرتے رہے (یہی واحد الزام ہے!)۔

تو کیا یہ ممکن نہیں کہ رضا ڈار کو بھی ان دو غیر ملکیوں کے ساتھ اسی معاملے میں اغوا کیا گیا ہو جسے اب ہم سرمایہ کاری کے تنازعے کے طور پر جانتے ہیں؟ اور یہ کہ رضا محض اس رقم کا مطالبہ کر رہا تھا جو یا تو اس کی اپنی تھی یا پھر ان دیگر ملزمان کی جنہوں نے ممکنہ طور پر انہیں اغوا کیا تھا؟ اور یہ کہ رضا رقم کے حصول کے لیے محض اپنی حفاظت کی خاطر "دباؤ" ڈال رہا تھا؟ کیا ایف آئی آر میں مدعیہ کا یہ بیان کہ رضا جنسی اور جسمانی تشدد میں ملوث نہیں تھا، اس بات کی نشاندہی نہیں کرتا کہ رضا خود بے گناہ ہو سکتا ہے؟

ان حالات کے پیشِ نظر ایسا معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ رضا ڈار کا معاملہ محض تفتیش کا متقاضی تھا، اور ان کی گرفتاری یا تو کچھ حلقوں کو خوش کرنے کے لیے یا عوامی دباؤ کے تحت عمل میں لائی گئی، جو قانون اور انصاف، دونوں کے بنیادی اصولوں کے منافی ہے۔ کسی بھی ابتدائی ثبوت کی عدم موجودگی اور شکایت کنندگان کے مشکوک کردار—جو اطلاعات کے مطابق پیشہ ور دھوکے باز ہیں اور بہت سے لوگوں کو ٹھگ چکی ہیں—کے باعث رضا ڈار کے ملوث ہونے کا کوئی معقول یا ٹھوس گمان قائم نہیں کیا جا سکتا؛ لہٰذا پولیس کی جانب سے کی گئی گرفتاری قانون کے خلاف ہے۔ اگر یہ ثابت ہو جائے کہ رضا بے گناہ ہیں تو کیا ہوگا؟ کیا انہیں ان کی زندگی واپس مل سکے گی؟ کیا میڈیا اور عوام میں کچھ لوگوں کی جانب سے لگائے گئے الزامات کا داغ دھل سکے گا؟ کیا عدالتی ٹرائل تو درکنار، تفتیش مکمل ہونے سے پہلے ہی رضا اور ان کے اہل خانہ کا میڈیا ٹرائل نہیں کیا جا چکا؟

رضا کی گرفتاری اور پھر متعلقہ ایس ایچ او کی جانب سے دکھائی گئی 'حد سے زیادہ مستعدی' — جس کے نتیجے میں اس کے خلاف ایف آئی آر درج کی گئی — کم از کم پولیس کی من مانی اور قانون شکنی کے ایک اور واقعے کی نشاندہی کرتی ہے۔

رضا ڈار کے خلاف واحد ابتدائی ثبوت خود ملزمہ کا وہ بیان ہے جس میں اس کا ماننا تھا کہ رضا "ایک اور متاثرہ شخص کا کردار ادا کر رہے تھے"۔ لہٰذا، اس مقدمے میں قانونی طریقہ کار یہی ہونا چاہیے تھا کہ رضا ڈار کو گرفتار کیے بغیر تفتیش میں شامل کیا جاتا اور گرفتاری کا فیصلہ تفتیش مکمل ہونے پر کیا جاتا۔ یہاں یہ بات بھی قابلِ ذکر ہے کہ رضا ڈار کے فرار ہونے کا کوئی امکان نہیں تھا، کیونکہ ان کے خاندان کے عہدے اور نظام میں ان کے خاندان کے مفادات ایسے ہیں جو اس بات کی نفی کرتے ہیں۔

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

The recent saga of abduction, torture, assault and extortion of two foreigners, and the subsequent arrest of Raza Dar, is appalling. Whereas, on the one hand, the timely intervention and integrity of the CM, and the arrest of all accused persons is a welcome move; the blatant violation of precedents of superior courts, just to please the public eye (by arresting Raza Dar), is dismaying.

As per contents of the FIR, which is a version of the Complainant, Raza Dar did not commit any of the heinous crimes enlisted. The Complainant herself states that: (a) Raza Dar portrayed himself to be a victim himself. (b) Raza Dar was not involved in any crime of sexual assault or rape. (c) Raza Dar kept asking for money (this is the only allegation!).

So, isn’t it possible that Raza Dar was also abducted, along with the two foreigners, pursuant to what we now know as an investment dispute? And that Raza just kept asking for money which was either his, or that of the other accused who possibly abducted them? And that Raza was “pressuring” for money only to keep himself safe? Isn’t the statement of the Complainant (in the FIR) that Raza was not involved in sexual and physical assault an indication that Raza himself could be innocent?

In light of these, it seems that the case of Raza Dar was that of investigation, and his arrest was made only to please, either some quarters, or under public pressure, which is against the spirit of both law and justice. In the absence of any preliminary evidence, and due to shady character of the Complainant who are reportedly professional swindlers who have scammed a lot of people, no bonafide belief of involvement of Raza Dar could be established, and hence the arrest made by the Police is against the law. What if it turns out that Raza is innocent? Will be get his life back? Will the allegations made by some in the media and public be washed away? Hasn’t a media trial of both Raza and his family taken place before even conclusion of investigation, let alone judicial trial?

The arrest of Raza, and then the subsequent over-efficiency of the SHO concerned, which led to an FIR against him, points towards another case of lawlessness of the police, being carried out at whims, at the very least.

The only preliminary evidence against Raza Dar is the statement of the accused who believed that Raza was “acting as another victim”. Hence, a legal way to go about this case should have been to include Raza Dar in the investigation without arresting him, and the decision of arrest should have been made upon conclusion of investigation. It is also pertinent to mention here that Raza Dar could never be a flight risk, given the positions his family are at, and given the stakes his family has in the system.

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

Pakistan Zindabad! 🇵🇰

[Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz]

With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture and extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes.
Both parties have displayed remarkable wisdom and understanding and have remained constructively engaged in furthering the cause of peace and stability. We earnestly hope, that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days!

@realDonaldTrump
@JDVance
@SecRubio
@SteveWitkoff
@SEPeaceMissions
@drpezeshkian
@mb_ghalibaf
@araghchi

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

A very happy Pakistan Day! This year’s 23rd March is even more special, given the success that our beloved homeland achieved in the past year, both on diplomatic and on war front. Moreover, the role of Pakistan in the Iran crisis via swift diplomacy has also been heart-warming.

This day, we celebrate our national heroes, our freedom struggle, our Constitution, and the principles given to us by our Quaid-e-Azam: “Unity Faith & Discipline!”. And what a better year to celebrate all of this than the incumbent one, which has given us security, confidence and pride.

Today, while thinking of my adorned country, and while thinking of it as a day of renewing my vows for Pakistan as her proud citizen, I indomitably feel the relevance of this couplet:

میرے محبوب وطن تجھ پہ اگر جاں ہو نثار
میں یہ سمجھوں گا ٹھکانے لگا سرمایہ تن

Pakistan Zindabad! 🇵🇰
Pakistan Paindabad! 🇵🇰

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

Eid Mubarik!

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

تو کجا من کجا
ﷺ

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

انا للہ و انا الیہ راجعون

The assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei has set a dangerous precedent, both in terms of violating the sovereignty of a nation, and the dignity of any office of leadership. Further, it has turned into ashes the concept of rule of law that was essential in governing relationship between states. The concept of “might is right” seems to prevail, instead of mutual respect and sovereignty. And it is appalling to see what the world has come to, let alone where it is headed.

May prudence and sagacity prevail!

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

Ramadan Mubarik!

Narrated by Abu Huraira:

Our Final Prophet (SAW) said,

"When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained."

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 123)

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

The cowardly attack in Islamabad Imambargah today is one of the worst forms of atrocities. Every Pakistani stands firm in solidarity with the bereaving families of the deceased and is praying for early and effective recovery of the injured. May Allah be with them! And may the perpetrators of such villainy be brought to justice.

In wake of this heinous attack by the Khwarij, the apt decision of cancellation of basant-related events by the Punjab Government, and the cancellation of musical part of the cultural night by the Sindh Government are proof enough that we stand as one nation and we stand united! They are further proof that our whole nation stands against the menace of terrorism, and in solidarity with the bereaved families!

May Allah be with us! 🇵🇰

Pakistan Zindabad!

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

میرے محبوب وطن تجھ پہ آگر جان ہو نثار
میں یہ سمجھوں گا ٹھکانے لگا سرمایہ تن

Happy Independence Day 🇵🇰

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

The Supreme Court’s recent judgment on ‘weaponising’ infertility is praiseworthy. Whereas, on the one hand, the matter before the Supreme Court shows the low-ebb that our morals/ethics have reached, on the other hand there is silver-lining that judges like Justice Afridi are there to redress that menace. The fact that such an apt judgment was passed despite the Respondent being “not represented” is even more commendable, reinstating faith in the judicial process.

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

The establishment of PERA through Punjab Enforcement and Regulation Act 2024 has the potential to change the landscape of Punjab, in terms of upholding of rule of law and in terms of better business practices. The primary objectives of PERA are regulatory compliance/ effective enforcement of regulations and their streamlining; addressing jurisdictional overlap; improving coordination between institutions; and combating inflation and encroachments. Further, as the CM stated in her speech PERA will also be taking to task the land mafia.

If implemented in letter and spirit, this legislation has the potential to transform the financial culture of Punjab. The initiative can lead to opportunities for the youth, by way of discouraging concentration of power and benefit in the hands of few. The creation of such an Authority was much awaited, as most of the developed countries already have such Authorities for better coordination and implementation. Moreover, better regulatory compliance, specially in relation to Pakistan’s international commitments also called for creation of such an Authority.

It is yet to be seen how the Authority turns out to be in practice. However, the government deserves appreciation on the effort, and other provinces should follow suit.

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

Today, more than ever before, I feel extremely proud to be a Pakistani. And that is so due to our leadership in all areas. Be it our military or civilian leadership, or our media. The sane, disciplined, swift and moral response of our leadership has been very heart-warming.

Our military leadership has responded to the current situation in a very professional, strategic and tactical manner. The calculated and swift response to the barbarity and misadventures of a rogue nation, by our forces is very pleasing, to say the least. Further, the responsibility with which responses were calculated, and the seasoned dissemination of information by the DG ISPR is highly commendable. Not to mention, the heroic and mindful self-defence in which numerous drones were neutralised, jets were downed and response was given today. The primary salutations are for our armed forces, due to relentless efforts of whom, we have led a normal life at home. But our faces, our civilian leadership and media have also been very decent and sane during these times.

The civilian leadership has been extremely balanced, coherent and compos mentis. They have shown restraint, when required, and have allowed our forces to respond when no other option was left but to exercise our right to self-defence. They have also engaged the international community and have let the world know that we are ready for an independent probe into the Pahalgam incident since we are not at fault and our neighbour is making excuses for their insane behaviour. Special mention are deserving to our incumbent and previous Foreign Ministers who have put out a very compelling case for Pakistan before the world, and have launched diplomatic onslaught in major parts of the world. The prudent and pragmatic approach of our government deserves appreciation, making us proud. Instead of celebrating today’s response, our leadership gave a very sane response.

Last, but not the least, our media reporting was very professional and prudent, especially our electronic media. Instead of creating war hysteria, and instead of sensationalising the current situation, our media has been very proper and lucid.

The Pakistani leadership (civil, military and media) has made us proud. Despite a war being imposed upon us, and despite our hearts bleeding, due to the death of our innocent women and children, our leadership took a decision not to target civilians, especially women and children, in their rightful response to the obscene villainy of our neighbour. And our media outlets have also consciously disseminated and promoted this policy. Every analyst, anchor and media person that I have listened to in the past three to four days, has said that they hope civilians are not hurt in our response.

This is what you call a nation! This is what you call a moral and alive people! This is what you call a Muslim Nation!

May Allah be with us!
اللہ آکبر

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

@noorejazch MashAllah, congratulations!

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

Happy Independence Day! 🇵🇰

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

A much needed move! https://t.co/DoqK6TgN9L

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

An unfortunate day for our Judicial System! The most competent and upright legal professional I know, Shan Gul Sahab, has been dropped. Shocking beyond words!

[Karim Ullah Sraw @KarimSraw]

Today is a truly historic day wherein the world witnessed protection of constitutionalism. Congratulations Pakistan!