Gomal Zam Dam workers: Rights activist agrees to pay ransom for abducted men

PHC asks Wapda security chief to contact Ansar Burney for the money.

PESHAWAR: A family member of one of the abducted workers of the Gomal Zam Dam project told the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday that human rights activist Ansar Burney has offered to pay ransom for the release of the kidnapped men.

During the hearing of a petition filed by the father of one of the abducted workers Ikramullah, PHC Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan ordered the chief security officer of Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Colonel (retd) Mateen to contact Burney and arrange the ransom.

He also directed officials of South Waziristan’s political administration and the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) to take immediate steps for the recovery of the abducted men.

Political Agent (PA) of South Waziristan Shahidullah Khan said a nine-member jirga comprising Mehsud tribesmen was constituted to negotiate with abductors. “The abductors are demanding only ransom,” said Khan, implying that all other offers had failed.

Pesco Security officer Ayaz Khan said Colonel (retd) Mateen was also currently in the agency and was trying to safely recover the workers.

Ayaz added that Mateen was in close contact with the political administration, but due to communication restraints, developments could only be ascertained upon his return.



Eight men working on the Gomal Zam Dam project were kidnapped on August 15 when they were returning home to DI Khan to celebrate Eidul Fitr with their family. Tehreek-e-Taliban later claimed responsibility and said one of the workers had been slain.

The kidnappers have demanded Rs160 million along with the release of 17 high-profile militants in exchange for the release of the workers.

Hearing was adjourned till January 10.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2013.