Mianwali resident rescued after ransom deal with kidnappers

Wajid Hussain Shah, a resident of Jannati Wala village in Esa Khel Tehsil, Mianwali, has returned home safely after a successful ransom payment of Rs2.5 million to the robbers from Shikarpur.

The incident has sparked public demands for an operation similar to Zarb-e-Azab against the robbers operating in Sindh.

Around seven months ago, a video circulated on social media in which Wajid Hussain Shah, abducted by robbers from Shikarpur district in Sindh, appealed to his family for help. The abductors demanded a substantial ransom for his release, an amount the family couldn't afford.

In response, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mureed Abbas, founder of Gul Bano Welfare Trust Tariq Zafarullah Khan, and Malik Zahir Mahmood of Al-Falah Foundation, along with various other individuals, initiated efforts to secure Wajid Hussain Shah's release.

Negotiations were conducted with the robbers, ultimately leading to the settlement of a ransom amounting to Rs205 million. Funds were collected from multiple organisations and individuals, with donations totalling Rs203 million.

An additional contribution of Rs0.2 million was made by Wajid Hussain Shah's family, resulting in a total ransom payment of Rs2.5 million for his release. Throughout the process, Pir Alauddin Shah of Tabba played a significant role.

Under the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Mureed Abbas, a team from Qamar Mashani was dispatched to Sindh. They successfully retrieved Wajid Hussain Shah and brought him back safely to his home after fulfilling the ransom requirement.

In light of the incident, local residents are urging the government to swiftly bring the robbers to justice, thereby preventing future abductions.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2023.