Protesters in S Waziristan seek recovery of abducted persons

WANA: Thousands of people took to the streets in Wana, the district headquarters of Lower South Waziristan, on Tuesday to demand the immediate recovery of four kidnapped persons, including the president of the local chambers of commerce and industry.

Organised by “Wana Amn Pasoon,” political leaders, business representatives, travel agencies, and citizens from all walks of life participated in the protest. The protesters marched through the main market, carrying white flags inscribed with the word “Peace,” before gathering at the western end of Wana Bazaar.

Several political and social figures, including MPA Ajab Gul Wazir, addressed the demonstrators.The speakers criticized the authorities, alleging a failure in ensuring security and demanding immediate action to recover the abductees. They warned that if the individuals were not found within three days, they would escalate their protest.

The protest was sparked by the abduction of four individuals in two separate incidents last week. The victims include Dr Nauman, president of the South Waziristan Chamber of Commerce & Industry Saif-ur-Rehman, and two customs officers, Nisar Abbas and Khushal. Their whereabouts remain unknown, raising serious concerns among the local population.

Political leaders condemned what they described as a failed security policy in tribal areas, stating that such policies, in place since 2003, have caused immense harm to the region and the country. They said that peace must be restored at all costs and the government must also ensure the safe return of the abductees.