QUETTA: The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Quetta, Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya, has said that a key suspect allegedly involved in the kidnapping and killing of 14-year-old Musawir Kakar, a student of religious school, has been killed in a clash with police while another suspect has been arrested.

Speaking at a press conference along with spokesman for the Balochistan government Shahid Rind here on Tuesday, Mr Goraya identified the suspect killed in the encounter with police as Younis.

An Afghan national, Hasham, has been arrested by the police who was also involved in the kidnapping of the young student, he said.

Hasham was produced before a local court which remanded him to police custody for further investigation.

“We are making efforts for the arrest of main suspect, Rehan Tayyab Shah, who played a key role in the kidnapping of the student. Shah belongs to Bajaur,” Mr Goraya said, adding that raids are being conducted in diffident areas for his arrest and he would be arrested soon.

The father of the slain student, Raz Muhammad, was also present at the press conference.

The DIG Quetta said that ammunition and the vehicle used in the kidnapping of the student have also been recovered by CTD.

“Hasham brought the vehicle from Afghanistan, procured weapons from Gulistan, and conducted surveillance of Musawir Khan’s residence and shop prior to his abduction,” Mr Goraya said, adding that findings of the investigation were confirmed by a CCTV camera.

Three other suspects involved in supplying weapons, as well as the property owner who provided shelter, have also been taken into custody, he said.

The DIG Quetta, who is heading the CTD in Balochistan, termed the death of Musawir Khan a big loss and said despite all efforts for his safe recovery, “we were unable to save his life”.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2025