LAKKI MARWAT: Local elders and authorities have accelerated efforts to secure the safe release of kidnapped Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission workers from terrorists.

In a video that surfaced on Saturday, the abductees asked the government to accept the demands of captors for their freedom.

Elders of Aba Shaheedkhel Jirga discussed the issue with authorities all through the day. It was their second meeting in the last two days with the local administration and security officials at the deputy commissioner’s office in the District Headquarters Complex Tajazai.

Relatives of the kidnapped workers as well as chiefs of other clans and members of the Marwat Qaumi Jirga also participated, according to an elder.

In video, abductees urge govt to accept demands of captors

He told Dawn that government officials and elders discussed the kidnapping issue and agreed to launch concerted efforts to secure the safe release of workers.

The elder said the meeting lasted until evening, with both sides agreeing on several important points which would pave the way to free abductees and take captors to task.

In the video clips, which went viral on social media, an abductee, accompanied by others, shared demands of the kidnappers.

“Today is our third day in captivity. The news of our release is not true as 10 workers are still in custody,” he said.

The worker said the captors wanted the government to release “mujahideen” and their family members, including children, and avoid demolishing their houses and disrespecting the bodies.

He added that the kidnappers demanded compensation by the government for their damaged houses.

The abductee urged authorities to accept those demands for the sake of their safe release.

Armed assailants had kidnapped 16 private PAEC employees from the Lakki Darra Tang Road on Thursday as the latter were on the way to the project site in the Qaboolkhel area in a private coach. The kidnappers burnt the coach in a forest area along the Kurram River.

A few hours later, the security and police personnel rescued eight workers, including three injured, in a joint operation.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2025