Search underway after Gwadar University VC, pro vice chancellor go missing in Balochistan's Mastung

A search operation was launched after University of Gwadar Vice Chancellor Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir and Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Syed Manzoor Ahmed went missing while travelling from Gwadar to Quetta on Wednesday night, according to officials and family sources.

The two senior university officials were travelling in a government vehicle when contact was lost near the Mastung area, officials said.

Family sources and university administration told the media that the two were on an official visit to Quetta when their phone signals were lost after entering Mastung.

Local sources suggested the possibility that both officials may have been abducted along with the vehicle, although this was not independently confirmed.

Mastung Deputy Commissioner Bahram Saleem confirmed that authorities were in contact with the families and that efforts were underway to trace the missing officials.

“Our entire administration and security institutions are active on this matter,” he said, adding that efforts were being made to locate and recover them safely.

Following the incident, local administration, police and security forces launched a search operation in Mastung and the surrounding areas. Checkpoints were also set up and searches for the vehicle were ongoing.

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So far, no ransom call or demands from any abductors were reported, officials said.

University sources said both academics were key figures in development programmes and efforts to improve academic standards at the institution. Their disappearance caused concern among students and staff, who announced plans for a peace march and prayer gathering.

Family members also expressed shock over the incident, describing the two professors as respected educators and individuals, and appealed for their safe return.

The provincial government and the Higher Education Commission sought an immediate report into the incident. Balochistan’s education minister said security agencies were directed to carry out a transparent investigation and ensure those responsible were brought to justice.

Search operations were continuing, while authorities said they were closely monitoring the situation.