KOHAT, Aug 18: Unidentified armed men kidnapped a doctor along with his driver at gunpoint in Lachi town of the district on Thursday.

The driver was, however, recovered and a kidnapper was injured in encounter with police during search operation in the area. The car of the doctor was also found abandoned near a dam.

According to a statement issued by the district police officer, Dr Javed Ali Shah was still missing and efforts were underway for his safe recovery.

Officials said that exchange of fire took place in Ghurzandi area and one of the kidnappers identified as Ahmed Niaz, a resident of North Waziristan, was arrested by police in injured condition.

The operation, launched for recovery of kidnapped doctor, was suspended due to darkness and would be resumed in the morning.

Police said that Dr Javed was going to regional health centre for duty with his driver Gul Sahib in his car bearing registration number ID-780 when unidentified persons stopped them and took them away at gunpoint.

Later, District Police Officer Mubarek Zeb Khan arrived at the scene along with police force and launched a search operation in the mountainous region for recovery of kidnapped persons.

They found the car abandoned near Darmalak Dam which was taken into custody and all possible routes of the kidnappers were sealed.