All recovered personnel returned safely to Sararogha Police Lines, reported to be in satisfactory condition
MIRANSHAH:
Seven policemen, including Station House Officer (SHO) Ahmad Shah Mehsud, who were abducted in Upper South Waziristan a day ago, were recovered through the efforts of local tribal elders, police officials confirmed on Thursday.
According to the 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 after the abduction that the district administration and local tribal elders launched a coordinated effort to secure the release of the hostages. He credited the successful recovery to the mediation and continuous engagement of tribal leaders.
“The role of 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 officers, had gone to the remote Pertogai area of 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 abducted them and took them to an unknown location.
According to police sources, the incident took place approximately six kilometers from Sararogha police station. Security agencies were put on high alert following the abduction, while local tribal elders immediately initiated contacts aimed at securing the officers’ release.
Authorities said sustained coordination between tribal leaders, the district administration and relevant institutions ultimately led to the safe recovery of all seven personnel.
The incident comes amid growing security concerns in Upper South Waziristan, where several shootings and violent incidents in recent weeks have resulted in several casualties and injuries, raising fears of a worsening law and order situation in the region.
Local tribal representatives and political leaders have expressed concern over the mounting security challenges and urged the government to take effective measures against terrorist elements and strengthen security arrangements to protect the lives and property of residents.
Meanwhile, security officials maintained that efforts to maintain peace and stability in the area were ongoing and security forces remained fully alert to any potential terrorist or subversive activity.
