SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A jirga held in Wana here has decided to stage a protest tomorrow (Feb 18) against the abductions of customs officials, the president of Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a medic of Pakistan Red Crescent Society.

Representatives of business community, leaders of political parties and social activists were in attendance.

The participants warned that if the administration failed to take timely action, the protest would be intensified.

A jirga participant later told Dawn that they won’t allow Wana’s peace to deteriorate. “The business community is suffering due to insecurity, against which we will raise our voice. The recent abductions have spread panic in the area, leaving the business community and locals feeling insecure.”

Also announces to stage protest tomorrow

Unidentified gunmen had abducted customs superintendent Nisar Abbasi, inspector Khushal, and Waziristan Chamber of Commerce president Saifur Rehman in Sholam area of Birmal tehsil a few days ago. Similarly, Dr Numan of PRCS was abducted in Azam Warsak area.

Provincial leader of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Ashfaq Wazir, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl general secretary Maulana Rafiuddin Wazir, Taj Wazir and others spoke, urging the federal and the provincial governments to ensure early recovery of the abductees and restore peace in the region.

LAID TO REST: A police constable, Sadiq Khan Wazir, who was martyred in a militant attack on Shakai police station in Lower South Waziristan, was laid to rest after his funeral prayers were offered at the Police Lines in Wana on Sunday.

A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour and paid tribute to the martyr.

District police officer Asif Bahader, Commandant South Waziristan Scouts Mohammad Tahir, family members, tribal elders and civil and military officials attended the funeral.

Later, the body was taken to his native Shakai village, where he was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard.

BODY RECOVERED: A bullet-riddled body was found in Karab Kot area of Wana tehsil on Sunday morning.

Police identified the deceased as Rais Khan of Tenai area. The body was spotted by local residents, who informed the police.

The motive behind the killing remains unknown.

Meanwhile, two policemen, who were abducted from Zangara village of Ladha tehsil in Upper South Waziristan district, have been recovered after 14 days.

Constables Asadullah and Alam Sher were recovered on Sunday and subsequently transferred to Sararogha Police Lines where they resumed their duties.

Upper South Waziristan DPO Arshad Khan confirmed the successful recovery of the policemen, attributing the operation’s success to the concerted efforts of security forces and local elders.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2025