Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Workers Held Hostage
Eight PAEC workers remain in captivity, while one worker was released and another's body was recovered, as security forces and tribal elders work together to secure the safe release of the remaining hostages.
Security forces are working tirelessly to secure the release of kidnapped individuals, including workers of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), in Lakki Marwat, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, after a group of khwarjis abducted them on January 9.
The kidnappers, who have been identified as affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), released a video demanding concessions from the government. In a disturbing turn of events, the kidnappers killed one of the hostages and coerced the others into falsely claiming that the death was caused by an airstrike. However, the security forces successfully conducted a search operation, rescuing eight of the 16 hostages, with efforts ongoing to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
In a recent development, the Pakistani Taliban released a PAEC worker who was among those kidnapped, and also handed over the body of another employee who died in captivity. This release was facilitated by the joint efforts of tribal elders and police. Despite this progress, eight other PAEC workers remain in the kidnappers' custody, and their safe release is the top priority for the authorities.
The situation has also led to tensions in the local community, with the All Shopkeepers Union announcing a complete shutter-down strike in Lakki Marwat city. The body of the deceased PAEC contract worker was recovered and handed over to the relatives, with the community awaiting the safe return of the remaining hostages.
The incident has highlighted the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly in areas prone to such incidents. The government and security forces are working together to resolve the situation, with the Safe release of the remaining hostages being the primary objective.