BANNU: Terrorists allegedly took 13 people hostage on Friday as they were moving to a safer location due to the ongoing tensions between a local peace committee, police and militants in the mountainous Hathikhel area of Wazir subdivision, local sources said.
According to sources, the people were stopped while they were transporting their belongings in vehicles to leave the area.
The hostages were identified as four brothers, Rehmanullah, Farmanullah, Laiq and Sadiq; Mir Ali, Mohammad Raziq, Azim Khan and three brothers, including Sameen, Hamidullah and Rakhidullah. Three other individuals could not be identified.
Police have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, police sources confirmed the incident.
Meanwhile, a photograph purportedly showing the alleged hostages has also circulated on social media.
The photograph also appears to show Nasir alias Gidarh, a local commander of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. The photograph and the identities of those shown in it could not be independently verified.
Local sources said terrorists were allegedly trying to prevent residents from leaving the area and had imposed certain restrictions on those seeking to relocate.
According to the sources, some families who failed to comply with the conditions allegedly had their houses demolished. These claims, however, could not be officially confirmed.
The deteriorating security situation in Hathikhel and adjoining mountainous areas has continued to cause difficulties for residents, with several families reportedly moving to safer locations.
Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2026
