Search Operation Launched for Abducted Assistant Commissioner in Ziarat

Authorities have initiated a search operation to locate Ziarat Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Afzal and his son, who were kidnapped the previous day while visiting the Zezri tourist location, according to Levies officials.

On Sunday, unidentified armed individuals abducted the Assistant Commissioner (AC), his son, a security guard, and a driver. The driver and guard were later released.

Deputy Commissioner Ziarat, Zakaullah Durani, stated that the assistant commissioner was at a picnic spot when the assault occurred. The attackers seized them, along with their guard and driver, at gunpoint.

After setting fire to the official vehicle, the abductors released the guard and driver but absconded with the assistant commissioner and his son.

Security personnel and the local administration have established a security perimeter around the area and started a search; however, there have been no new developments concerning the abductees’ recovery.

Notably, two months prior, Assistant Commissioner Tump, Mohammad Hanif Norzai, was also abducted.

This kidnapping occurs amid a rise in terrorist events in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These provinces, bordering Afghanistan, are experiencing infiltration attempts by militants.

During separate operations in Zhob last week, security forces neutralized 47 militants supported by India as they attempted to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank based in Islamabad, issued a report stating that Pakistan experienced 78 terrorist incidents in June, resulting in at least 100 fatalities.

The casualties included 53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two local peace committee members.

Additionally, 189 individuals were wounded, comprising 126 security forces members and 63 civilians.

Overall, the violence and counter-terrorism efforts in June resulted in 175 deaths, including 55 security personnel, 77 militants, 41 civilians, and two peace committee members.