Holding onto hope: Families appeal for release of abducted FWO labourers

WANA:

Relatives of labourers kidnapped from South Waziristan four days ago requested the release of all captives on humanitarian grounds. The families stressed that they are poor and have no political connections.

Initial investigation suggested that heavily armed militants came to the area in four vehicles and kidnapped the civilians. No group claimed responsibility for the abduction. Speaking to the media in Wana on Monday, the relatives called on political administration officials to help them. Thus far, neither the contractor nor the administration has reportedly made any attempt for their recovery.

They said all family members are uncertain about the fate of the hostages. Also, there has been no demand for ransom by the kidnappers.  Meanwhile, elders from different clans of the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe started consultations on their responsibilities in connection with the abduction. The elders are also contacting the administration prior to taking any steps.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2015.