An Azerbaijani woman involved in an alleged gang-rape case in Lahore has left Pakistan for Azerbaijan after initially refusing to board an earlier flight.
The woman, identified as Diana, departed from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport for Baku on Sunday aboard a Pakistan International Airlines flight. Three Lahore Police officers accompanied her during the journey following a request from the Azerbaijani embassy.
The development came after Diana reportedly completed the boarding process on Friday but later left the aircraft and declined to travel. She remained at the airport under the supervision of the Airport Security Force while arrangements for her departure were made.
The woman had earlier approached police with allegations that she was sexually assaulted by three men at a rented apartment in Lahore. Police registered a case and launched an investigation, while several suspects were arrested in connection with the allegations. A medical report cited by police was also reported to have confirmed sexual assault.
The case remains under investigation, with suspects facing legal proceedings and the allegations subject to the judicial process. A Lahore court has continued proceedings involving suspects in the case, including extensions of physical remand as investigators work to complete their inquiry.
The police escort was arranged to facilitate Diana’s safe return to Azerbaijan after coordination with the Azerbaijani diplomatic mission. The three officers travelled with her to Baku before returning to Pakistan.
