All recovered personnel returned safely to Sararogha Police Lines and were reported to be in satisfactory condition.
MIRANSHAH:
Seven police officers, including Station House Officer (SHO) Ahmad Shah Mehsud, who were abducted in Upper South Waziristan a day ago, have been recovered through the efforts of local tribal elders, police officials confirmed on Thursday.
According to district police authorities, all recovered personnel returned safely to Sararogha police lines and were reported to be in satisfactory condition.
District Police Officer (DPO) Arshad Khan said that after the kidnapping, the district administration and local tribal elders launched coordinated efforts to ensure the release of the hostages. He attributed the successful recovery to mediation and the continued commitment of tribal leaders.
“The role of the tribal elders was instrumental in resolving the situation peacefully,” Khan said, expressing gratitude for their cooperation.
Police said SHO Mehsud, along with Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) personnel and other police officials, had traveled to the remote Pertogai area in Sararogha tehsil on Wednesday to defuse an unexploded mortar shell. After completing the operation and declaring the area safe, the team was returning when unidentified gunmen intercepted and kidnapped them, taking them to an undisclosed location.
According to police sources, the incident took place about six kilometers from the Sararogha police station. Security agencies were placed on high alert following the kidnapping, while local tribal elders immediately initiated contacts aimed at securing the release of the officers.
Officials said sustained coordination between tribal leaders, district administration and relevant institutions ultimately led to the safe recovery of the seven personnel.
The incident comes amid growing security concerns in Upper South Waziristan, where several shootings and violent incidents in recent weeks have led to multiple casualties and injuries, raising fears over the deteriorating law and order situation in the region.
Local tribal representatives and political leaders have expressed concern over the growing security challenges and urged the government to take effective measures against terrorist elements and strengthen security arrangements to safeguard lives and properties of residents.
Meanwhile, security officials maintained that efforts were being made to preserve peace and stability in the area and that security forces remained fully vigilant against any possible terrorist or subversive activity.
