Family of eighth kidnapped worker remains optimistic, even though he appeared to be dead in a TTP video released last year. PHOTO: PPI
PESHAWAR:
Family and friends of seven kidnapped workers of the Gomal Zam Dam project released on Saturday were understandably jubilant, but the eighth member – who the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) militants claimed they had killed – have little but hope to cling on to.
The Express Tribune learnt ransom worth Rs25 million changed hands to procure the release. But the freedom of the seven workers came at a higher price than just money. In a video released by the TTP on September 11, 2012, one of the eight men – FWO engineer Mushtaq – appeared to be dead.
Shakir Zeeshan, a close relative of Mushtaq, said the family is not sure about Mushtaq’s safe return, but they still hold on to hope.
“Mushtaq’s name is third on the list of the eight men, but we have received information that security forces have so far taken seven released men to Bannu from where they will travel to Peshawar.”
Zeeshan shared Mushtaq’s family believes Mushtaq might not be travelling with the rest of the seven because he was the “sole army man” among the kidnapped and could actually be in the custody of security personnel.
“All our family members, including his two children, are counting every minute till they can meet him,” added Zeeshan. He said though Mushtaq was shown to be gunned down in the kidnappers’ video, the footage was “not too clear”. “But now his name is included in the list of released persons. We are waiting for his return,” said Zeeshan.
According to official reports, only seven men were released on Saturday and were en route from Bannu to Peshawar at the time this report was filed.
Relief for the others
On August 15, 2012, militants abducted eight men including Wapda and Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) employees on their way to DI Khan from Kachori, South Waziristan for Eid holidays.
The kidnapped men were junior engineer Shahidullah, medical fitter Sanaullah, driver Siraj, FWO engineer Mushtaq, cook Munir, sanitary worker Liaqat, and supervisors at the Gomal Zam Dam project Zeeshan and Zijaj.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) later claimed responsibility and demanded Rs150 million in ransom, threatening to kill the workers if their demands were not met.
The affected families had decided to protest Wednesday night – a day before the inauguration of the dam – but decided against it when Wapda officials reassured them of impending good news.
Mrs Abdur Razaq, whose son-in-law Sanaullah was also among the kidnapped, said: “They (released persons) are in the office of the political administration in Miranshah and we have been told they will reach Peshawar late at night.”
“We have been told by the administration they (the released men) will have dinner at the Governor House and then would be handed over to their respective families.”
“We are overjoyed on hearing our loved ones have been released after more than a year of captivity,” she added. “All the families are in contact with one another and are waiting for the moment when we meet those whose lives we have feared for, for so long.” Mrs Razaq shared a large number of people were gathered at their home in Hayatabad, Peshawar to celebrate the occasion.
394 days and millions of rupees later
According to a family member of one of the kidnapped, the South Waziristan administration had paid millions. “A total of Rs25 million in ransom money has been paid which is why we are tantalizingly close to the kidnapped peoples’ return to their respective homes.”
Senior officials at Governor House confirmed the release of the abductees to The Express Tribune but denied the payment of any ransom to the militants. “Yes they (seven men) are on their way towards the settled areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and will be proceeding to the Governor House. There they will be reunited with their respective families,” confirmed one official.
A Wapda official also confirmed the release of the previously abducted, “they have been handed over to the administration.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2013.
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Let us pray and see DR AJMAL,the then V.C. of ISLAMIA college university with his family and friends.The poor scholar spent more than three years in captivity.