Afghan national held for trying to kidnap minor girl

MANSEHRA: The police in Balakot on Wednesday claimed to have arrested an Afghan national who attempted to kidnap a minor schoolgirl.

“Police personnel followed the kidnapper and arrested him while he was trying to flee through less-frequented routes,” Deputy Superintendent of Police, Balakot, Sadaqat Nisar told a press conference in Balakot.

He said the girl was on her way to her school in the morning when the Afghan national, identified as Abdul Qadir, tried to lure her away. When she cried for help, the suspect fled the scene.

“The girl’s mother and neighbours immediately approached the police and lodged an FIR,” Nisar said.He added that a police team, led by SHO Balakot Police Station Fahad Shah, launched a search operation, sealing the entire city, and apprehended the suspect from the Shawal area after a two-hour effort.

“The police had cordoned off the entire area and checked both public and private vehicles leaving Balakot,” the DSP said.A preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had been residing in the Pakhwal area of Mansehra and had been allegedly involved in other criminal activities.He urged residents to remain vigilant and cautious, especially concerning the safety of their children on their way to school or while playing in the streets.