At least 17 sugar mill workers remain missing after unidentified armed men abducted passengers and workers from vehicles travelling along the Indus Highway in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The incident occurred near Cheera Minor during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, raising concerns about security in the area.
The attackers reportedly intercepted a passenger coach travelling from Dera Ghazi Khan to Rawalpindi and took several passengers away. Reports also indicated that security guards travelling in a sugar mill bus were among those abducted.
Five Abducted Passengers Released
Authorities confirmed that five passengers taken from the Hassan Coach were subsequently released. The passengers, identified as Arsalan, Majid, Kashif, Shiraz and Hammad, reportedly walked for approximately four hours before reaching their destination.
However, 17 sugar mill workers remained missing following the incident. Consequently, the abduction triggered fear among local residents and left the missing workers’ families anxiously awaiting information about their loved ones.
The incident took place within the jurisdiction of Paroa Police Station. Meanwhile, residents gathered at Paroa Adda to demand the safe recovery of the missing individuals.
Residents Block Indus Highway in Protest
Following the abduction, residents blocked the main Indus Highway to protest the incident and urge authorities to recover the missing workers. The road blockade disrupted traffic as demonstrators called for immediate action to ensure the victims’ safe return.
Furthermore, the incident intensified concerns about the safety of passengers and workers travelling through the region. Residents called for effective measures to prevent similar incidents and improve security along major transport routes.
Police said they had launched an operation to recover the abducted individuals and formed several teams to assist the search. Authorities are continuing their efforts to trace the missing workers and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Meanwhile, families remain distressed as they await further developments. The safe recovery of all missing individuals remains the central concern as the police operation continues.
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