Police register FIR of Cola Next owner's 'kidnapping' on SHC intervention

Police in Karachi have registered a kidnapping case on judicial intervention after the Cola Next CEO from Karachi, his lawyer said.

Zulfiqar Ahmed, the owner of Next Cola, which has been promoted as an alternative to Coca-Cola amid a boycott over allegations of supporting Israel's war on Gaza, was kidnapped on July 23 after leaving his office in the city.

Ahmed, who is also the managing director of Paracha Textile Mills and Mezan Group, was taken when his white Toyota Surf was intercepted by eight armed men. The kidnappers also abducted one of Ahmed's friends, who was later released.

Ahmed’s friend shared details of the incident, leading the businessman's family and company management to submit an application at the Kalri police station the same day. However, the police initially refused to register a complaint, prompting the family to seek intervention from the Sindh High Court, which ordered the police to lodge the case on Friday.

"The news [of Ahmed’s abduction] somehow gained traction on social media," said Mian Ali Ashfaq, the counsel representing Ahmed’s family. "After the social media spotlight on the court order and my protest, my team of office associates went to the police station, where, after four hours, the FIR [First Information Report] was finally registered and a copy was provided to us by Friday afternoon."

People widely shared news of Ahmed’s abduction on social media, urging authorities to take action for his release.

Asad Raza, deputy inspector-general (DIG) of police in Karachi’s southern district where the incident occurred, denied allegations of police inaction.

"It is immaterial whether the FIR was registered instantly or after one day’s delay," he said. "We started working on the case when the abduction took place."

Ashfaq stated that the high court had issued notices to respondents and scheduled a hearing for Tuesday.