Security forces rescue 8 workers abducted by militants in Lakki Marwat

In a disturbing development, militants associated with the extremist group Fitna al-Khawarij abducted 17 civilian workers from the Kabal Khel area in the Lakki Marwat district on Thursday.

The workers, who were unarmed and performing routine tasks, were taken hostage for ransom by the assailants, Express News reported.

According to sources, the militants not only abducted the workers but also set fire to a local contractor's vehicle in the area following the abduction. The civilian workers were reportedly seized for extortion purposes, with the militants seeking a ransom for their release.

However, swift action by security forces and law enforcement agencies resulted in the safe recovery of eight of the abducted workers. The search and rescue operation for the remaining hostages is ongoing, with authorities determined to secure their safe return.

Sources stressed that the actions of the militants in Pakistan, under the guise of religious extremism, are completely disconnected from the teachings of Islam and its values. The perpetrators of these heinous acts will be held accountable for their crimes, they added.

Security forces are committed to continuing their efforts to protect the public and ensure the safety of civilians, with the goal of bringing those responsible for these barbaric actions to justice.