LAHORE – After more than a month of massive fraud of 20kg gold allegedly by a jewler in Lahore’s Ichhra marekt, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Investigation) Lahore Syed Zeeshan Haider on Friday issued comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for jewelers and sarafa (gold traders) to regulate business transactions and prevent undue harassment of legitimate traders.
The SOPs were issued on the request of Chairman, Lahore Division Sarafa and Jewelers Association, Muhammad Ahmad.
In this regard, the DIG Investigation has directed all divisional Superintendents of Police (SPs) to strictly instruct their subordinate investigating officers not to harass or unnecessarily involve any registered jeweler or sarafa association member in investigations unless credible and concrete evidence regarding the purchase of stolen property is available on record.
According to the SOPs, if inspection of a jeweler’s CCTV footage or manual business records is required, the process will be carried out only in the presence of an authorized representative of the Sarafa and Jewelers Association.
In cases where an entry in the jewelry purchase register appears suspicious or the seller’s details are incomplete, the purchase register, jewelry, and related receipts may be taken into possession strictly in the presence of association office-bearers. A seizure memo will be prepared with video recording, duly signed by the concerned jeweler and association representatives as witnesses.
The DIG Investigation categorically stated that no member of any sarafa market would be illegally or unjustifiably harassed. Any investigating officer found misusing authority or violating SOPs will face strict departmental action.
Additionally, DIG Syed Zeeshan Haider issued written directions to the Chairman of the Lahore Division Sarafa and Jewelers Association to ensure that all affiliated members’ strictly record complete particulars of sellers or customers at the time of purchasing gold or jewelry.
This includes obtaining a copy of the seller’s CNIC, signatures of an identifier, maintaining entries in the association-issued jewelry purchase register, and pasting the seller’s photograph with the relevant details to facilitate transparency during any future inquiry.
Jewelers were also warned against purchasing stolen or suspicious property, failing which strict legal action might be initiated.
To address and clarify any operational issues, DSP Legal Javed Dogar was appointed as the focal person.
Furthermore, all divisional SPs were directed to ensure that investigating officers fully comply with these SOPs before arresting or involving any sarafa market member in an investigation.
Meanwhile, Patron-in-Chief Seth Muhammad Arshad, Chairman Muhammad Ahmad, Senior Vice Chairman Dilawar Ali, President Tariq Mahmood, Senior Vice President Muhammad Akmal, General Secretary Rana Muzaffar Ali, Vice President Rana Fida Hussain, along with other office-bearers and members of the Lahore Division Sarafa and Jewelers Association, welcomed the issuance of the SOPs. They stated that this initiative would help reduce mistrust between the police and the sarafa community and contribute towards eliminating illegal middlemen and tout mafia.
The development took place after a jeweller in Lahore’s Ichhra market allegedly fled with 20 kilogrammes of gold entrusted to him for safekeeping, triggering panic among traders and a widening police investigation.
According to traders, Sheikh Waseem Akhtar, a jeweller operating in the busy Ichhra jewellery market, disappeared several days ago after spreading false news about a relative’s death in Karachi. Multiple jewellers had reportedly deposited their gold with him as amanat (trust).
Four days later, his employees opened the shop, prompting other jewellers to gather.
Traders broke open the vault, only to find empty boxes. The gold was missing. They later learned that the suspect had even sold his house for Rs60 million before fleeing.
CCTV footage showing Waseem Akhtar leaving the shop with the gold also surfaced, further fuelling concerns among traders who now fear large-scale fraud.
Police registered a case at Ichhra police station on the complaint of a jeweller.
Investigators recorded the complainant’s statement and said more FIRs could be filed if additional claimants come forward.
A police spokesperson said early findings point to a financial dispute, adding that reports suggesting multiple complainants or organised theft were “factually incorrect” at this stage.
The SP Model Town is supervising the probe while DIG Operations sought a detailed report. Police say the efforts are still underway to arrest the suspect “at the earliest.”
