# Lahore High Court Criticizes Police Over TikTok Usage

Chief Justice Aalia Neelum questions police priorities regarding missing persons investigations.

- **Source:** [Dawn](https://www.dawn.com)
- **Published:** 2026-11-06
- **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics)
- **Original article:** <https://www.dawn.com/news/2042403/cj-shows-displeasure-over-cops-making-tiktok-videos>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/85536ecf-f4e9-4fc0-bfef-90e1b4a2a9f8

## Judicial Reprimand for Police

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum expressed strong dissatisfaction regarding police officers creating TikTok videos about missing girls. During a hearing on November 6, 2026, the court questioned how officers could effectively conduct investigations while simultaneously engaging in social media content creation. This judicial intervention highlights concerns over professional conduct within law enforcement.

## Missing Persons Case Statistics

A law officer reported that police have successfully recovered 2,810 girls, yet 452 cases remain unresolved. Among these outstanding files, four cases date back to 2021, raising serious questions about the efficiency of current search operations. The court emphasized that delays in these investigations are unacceptable given the significant time elapsed since reports.

## Court Challenges Investigation Delays

Chief Justice Neelum criticized the slow pace of recovery efforts, noting that the court cannot wait until 2032 to resolve cases registered in 2024. The judiciary is demanding greater accountability for the backlog, specifically questioning the police's ability to locate individuals in long-standing cases that have remained open for several years.

## Summons Issued for IGP

Due to the court's dissatisfaction with the current recovery committee, Inspector General of Police Abdul Karim has been summoned to appear in person on November 11. Punjab DIG Crimes Ali Janbaz and DIG Legal Awais Malik were present during the proceedings, but the court required higher-level leadership to address the systemic failures.

## Geographic Focus of Backlog

Investigation wing officials informed the court that the majority of the outstanding missing persons cases originated from Rawalpindi, Sialkot, and Nankana Sahib. These specific regions are now under increased scrutiny as the court seeks to understand why these areas have higher numbers of unresolved files compared to other districts in the province.

## Police Defense of Technology

Police representatives argued that social media applications have actually assisted in tracing a considerable number of missing girls. While the court condemned the use of TikTok for entertainment purposes, the police maintained that digital platforms remain a vital tool for their investigative wing to gather information and locate individuals reported as missing.

## Disciplinary Actions Promised

The court was formally notified that disciplinary action will be taken against police officials who were identified as making and uploading TikTok videos while on duty. This move aims to curb unprofessional behavior that the Chief Justice believes distracts from the primary responsibility of protecting citizens and recovering missing individuals across Punjab.

## Future Judicial Oversight

The proceedings have been adjourned until November 11, when the Inspector General of Police must present a more comprehensive plan for addressing the backlog. This case underscores the tension between modern digital habits of law enforcement personnel and the urgent, traditional requirements of public safety and efficient criminal justice administration.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.dawn.com/news/2042403/cj-shows-displeasure-over-cops-making-tiktok-videos — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
