SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A jirga held in Lower South Waziristan district on Friday demanded of the government to ensure safe recovery of the three kidnapped persons, including two officials of the customs department.

The jirga, comprising representatives of political parties and South Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry reviewed the situation arising out of the kidnapping of the men.

The abducted officials included customs superintendent Nisar Abbasi, inspector Khushal, and South Waziristan chamber president Saifur Rehman Wazir. They were kidnapped in the Sholam area of Birmal tehsil on Thursday.

This incident occurred near the Angoor Adda border crossing, a key trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Deputy commissioner Nasir Khan, district police officer Asif Bahader and Wana assistant commissioner Faisal Ismail were also in attendance.

Deputy commissioner Nasir Khan assured the jirga that the government, police, and security forces were taking all possible steps to recover the abductees. However, the jirga warned of strong protests in Wana if the deadline was not met.

Meanwhile, the local business community condemned the incident. Traders warned that such incidents were disrupting the business environment, and threatened to stage protests if the law and order situation did not improve.

It is important to mention here that only two days ago, a doctor of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Dr Noman, was kidnapped during a medical camp in Azam Warsak area.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2025