A Canadian researcher pursuing his doctorate has been missing for five days in Lahore, Pakistan, sparking serious concerns over a possible kidnapping. Hamza Ahmad Khan, who arrived in the country just over a week ago to work on his PhD thesis, vanished early on February 19 after booking a ride-hailing cab from his residence in the DHA area.
According to details emerging from local reports, Khan was staying with his friend Yusuf Rashid when the incident occurred. Rashid, who filed the First Information Report (FIR) with Lahore police, recounted that Khan stepped out between 1 and 2 a.m. via a ride-sharing service and has not been seen since. Despite personal searches, Rashid found no trace and suspects foul play.
Khan’s brother, Awais Ahmad Khan, who resides in the United States, has come forward with alarming details. Speaking to media outlets, Awais revealed that the family attempted to trace the cab ride, only to learn it was canceled midway. He claimed Hamza had dropped off a female passenger at her home—footage from that location exists showing him leaving for his own residence, but he never arrived.
Frustration is mounting as Awais accuses the ride-hailing company of withholding crucial trip details, stating they would only share if approached by law enforcement. More troubling, he alleges police have not yet contacted the firm nor fully cooperated with the family. ‘We’re not getting the support we need,’ Awais said, hinting at plans to involve the Canadian embassy and possibly file a court petition to expedite the search.
Lahore police’s Senior Superintendent of Police (Investigation), Mohammad Naveed, confirmed investigators have gathered preliminary information from the complainant and the cab service but admitted no leads on Khan’s whereabouts yet. The family, originally from Karachi with parents still there, is urging swift action amid growing fears for Hamza’s safety.
This case highlights ongoing challenges with urban safety and rapid response in Pakistan’s major cities, where ride-hailing services have become both a convenience and a vulnerability. As days pass without breakthrough, pressure mounts on authorities to unravel the mystery and ensure the young scholar’s safe return.