17-year-old girl recovered after public outcry

In a significant breakthrough, 17-year-old Asma Jatak, who had been abducted in Khuzdar, Balochistan, has been safely recovered by authorities.

The rescue operation was executed in the Sunni area of the Anjera Tehsil under the supervision of Commissioner Naeem Bazai of Kalat Division. Bazai confirmed the recovery to The Express Tribune, stating that, following directives from the Chief Minister of Balochistan, law enforcement agencies had carried out several raids late last night.

A raid at around 5 PM on Saturday in the Zehri Sunni Tehsil resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects linked to the abduction.

The disappearance of Asma Jatak had previously sparked widespread protests in the region, with her family and local residents blocking the Quetta-Karachi Highway at Nal for three consecutive days, demanding her safe recovery. The incident has also garnered significant attention on social media where hashtags like #JusticeForAsmaJatak trended, and had been a major topic of discussion in the Balochistan Assembly where lawmakers have condemned the abduction and boycotted a session in protest.

In response to the public outrage, the Chief Minister had issued strict orders to ensure the safe recovery of the girl, and authorities have now pledged to pursue further investigations to bring all those responsible to justice.