Security forces rescue academics, officials from Kardgap area 12 days after kidnapping
QUETTA:
The Vice-Chancellor of Gwadar University along with three others abducted 12 days ago near Mastung’s Khad Kocha area were safely rescued during a security operation on Sunday.
According to security sources, VC Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir, Pro-VC Dr Syed Manzoor Ahmed, VC’s Personal Staff Officer Dr Muhammad Irshad and driver Hatam Khan were traveling by car to Quetta on May 13 when gunmen intercepted them in Khad Kocha area of Mastung.
The assailants set up a blockade and forcibly abducted all four people. Following the incident, security forces launched a massive search operation to ensure their safe rescue.
Sources said the abductees were recovered from Kardgap area of Mastung during a continuing search and clearance operation. After their recovery, all four persons were transported to Quetta.
Security agencies remained actively engaged in efforts to trace and recover the kidnapped officials since the day of the incident. The successful recovery comes after nearly two weeks of sustained operations in the area.
Balochistan has witnessed a low-key insurgency for over two decades. The province, the largest in area but smallest in population, shares long and porous borders with Iran and Afghanistan; the latter is often accused of serving as a hotbed for terrorist organizations of various hues.
