CPLC dismisses rumours of 'child kidnappings' in Karachi

KARACHI: CPLC on Friday issued a public notice in an attempt to dispel fear among residents of Karachi brought on by reports of ‘child kidnappings’ circulating on social media.

The notice by the Citizens Police Liasion Committee reads as follows:

“Social Media is playing an important role in today’s world and highlights issues that are important for the general public. Reports being published on social media regarding kidnapping of children are causing a lot of concern amongst the public.

CPLC plays a very important role in maintaining missing child data and integrity thereof. This data also does not support the reports being highlighted on social media. We are also very closely monitoring the situation and unable to verify the reports published on social media in this regard, which is causing great disturbance amongst the masses.

During current year, only 06 child kidnapping cases are reported out of which 05 children have been recovered. Other cases of missing children have also been reported but no element of organized kidnapping was found in any such case. Most of these missing children have been re-united with their families after being traced out or self returned. It is important to note that all of the missing children are not kidnapped, most of them fled from domestic violence and other problems.

CPLC remains committed to its utmost in detection of these cases and assures the public that if such incidents are reported to CPLC helpline 1102, it will carry out due diligence to apprehend the criminals involve in this heinous crime and also ensure safe return of the victim.”

Earlier this week police chief Mushtaq Maher termed these reports as mere “rumours” and said the high alert regarding widespread kidnapping of children and females by certain elements was not based on facts.

“There is no truth in children being in children being kidnapped systematically or in a planned way or dead bodies being recovered,” the police chief said.

He added that such reports were being spread with malafide intentions in an attempt to create panic in the minds of parents and discredit the efforts of Police and Rangers.

He requested that people not pay any heed to such rumours.