In a disturbing development, militants associated with extremist group Fitna al-Khawarij abducted 17 civilian workers from Kabal Khel area in Lakki Marwat district on Thursday.
The workers, who were unarmed and carrying out routine tasks, were taken hostage by the assailants for ransom, Express News reported.
According to sources, the militants not only kidnapped the workers but also set fire to the vehicle of a local contractor in the area after the kidnapping. The civilian workers were reportedly kidnapped for extortion purposes and the militants demanded a ransom for their release.
However, quick action by security forces and law enforcement agencies resulted in the safe recovery of eight of the kidnapped workers. The search and rescue operation for the remaining hostages continues and authorities are determined to ensure their safe return.
Sources stressed that the actions of militants in Pakistan, under the guise of religious extremism, are completely disconnected from the teachings of Islam and its values. The perpetrators of these atrocious acts must be held accountable for their crimes, they added.
Security forces are committed to continuing their efforts to protect the public and ensure the safety of civilians, with the goal of bringing those responsible for these barbaric actions to justice.
