In a disturbing development, militants associated with the extremist group Fitna al-Khawarij abducted 17 civilian workers from Kabal Khel area of Lakki Marwat district on Thursday.
The workers, who were unarmed and performing routine tasks, were held hostage for ransom by the attackers, Express News reported.
According to sources, the militants not only abducted the workers but also set fire to a local contractor’s vehicle in the area after the abduction. The civilian workers were allegedly seized for extortion and the militants sought a ransom for their release.
However, prompt action by security forces and law enforcement agencies resulted in the safe recovery of eight of the abducted workers. The search and rescue operation for the remaining hostages is underway and the authorities are determined to ensure their safe return.
Sources stressed that the actions of the militants in Pakistan, under the guise of religious extremism, are completely separate from the teachings of Islam and its values. The perpetrators of these heinous acts will 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 the civilian population with the goal of bringing those responsible for these barbaric acts to justice.
