BANNU: Unidentified terrorists kidnapped an executive engineer of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) from a road here, sources said on Wednesday.

The Wapda headquarters in Lahore confirmed the abduction of Arif Usman, executive engineer (XEN Civil) Lahore, by terrorists in Bannu.

According to a notification issued by General Manager (hydro) Planning Lahore, Naeem Qadir Mangi, on January 5, Arif Usman informed the office via WhatsApp that he was detained by armed men while returning to Lahore after evening prayers.

The abductors, who were aware of his status as a government/Wapda employee, have demanded a ransom of Rs 50 million for his release, official sources said.

Meanwhile, the body of a kidnapped policeman, who was martyred by terrorists during captivity, was recovered from the Sadakhel Road here on Wednesday.

The martyred constable, Naveed Akram, a resident of Amalkhel area of Domel, was abducted by terrorists from the football ground of his village. He had earlier received threats if he didn’t quit his job in the police.

According to residents, community elders also held negotiations with the abductors for the safe release of the constable, but the talks failed.

Subsequently, he was killed, and his body was found on Sadakhel Road.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2026