Four officers disappeared after detaining suspected illegal entrants near the Pakistan-Iran border
Armed assailants abducted four police officers in the coastal city of Gwadar, located near the Pakistan-Iran maritime border, police confirmed on Thursday.
The kidnapped personnel have been identified as Niaz Ahmed, Shoaib, Ehsan and Sajid Ali. According to initial reports, the officers had intercepted a vehicle carrying Afghan nationals who were trying to enter Pakistan illegally the day before. The suspects were traveling in a Zambad (a type of vehicle commonly used for smuggling).
Police officials said the officers on duty immediately informed the in-charge of the Kantani post, ASI Musaddaq Ali, about the situation. The ASI directed them to transport the detained persons to the police station. But soon after, all communication with the four police officers was lost.
Authorities believe the officers were taken hostage by gunmen. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to rescue the missing personnel. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the abduction. Further investigation is underway.
