Jirga seeks early recovery of kidnapped officials

WANA: A grand Jirga on Friday demanded the safe recovery of kidnapped persons, as the security situation in South Waziristan remained tense a day after the abduction of the Chamber of Commerce president, officials and a doctor in the border town of Angoor Adda.

Four persons, including the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Saif-ur-Rehman, Customs staff and a doctor were kidnapped on Thursday.A grand jirga was convened at the Wana FC Camp on Friday, which was attended by representatives from all political parties, tribal elders, and union leaders. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Commissioner of Lower Waziristan, Nasir Khan, and District Police Officer Asif Bahadur.

The speakers condemned the kidnappings and issued a two-day ultimatum to the government for the safe recovery of the abducted individuals, warning of a complete shutdown in Wana if their demands were not met.

Deputy Commissioner Nasir Khan assured the jirga that the authorities were treating the matter with urgency and pledged strict action against the kidnappers. He also vowed to relay the jirga’s concerns to higher authorities and called for tribal cooperation in combating terrorism.The incident highlighted the deteriorating security situation in South Waziristan and the increasing frustration among the tribal population.