SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Unidentified armed men abducted two shopkeepers from Shakai Bazaar in Lower South Waziristan the other day, police sources said.

According to the sources, the armed men stormed the market and opened fire before abducting the two shopkeepers and taking them to an undisclosed location. The abducted traders were identified as Asmatullah and Wahab.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and trace the whereabouts of the victims.

The incident has sparked concern among traders and residents, who fear that the deteriorating law and order situation is increasingly threatening their lives and livelihoods. Shakai Bazaar serves as an important commercial hub for residents of the surrounding areas.

Residents said the latest incident reflected a worrying trend of growing insecurity across different parts of Lower South Waziristan over the past two years.

They pointed out increased bomb explosions, targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom and surge in attacks on civilians, police personnel and security forces.

Local residents urged the district administration and police to take immediate steps to secure the safe recovery of the abducted shopkeepers and strengthen security arrangements in Shakai and other parts of the district.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026