Gomal Zam Road: 21 labourers set free by kidnappers

DI KHAN:

 An official of the political administration told The Express Tribune 21 kidnapped labourers were set free in Nilee Kach area of South Waziristan Thursday morning. The release was made possible due to the persistent efforts of tribal elders’ jirga. The labourers who belonged to tribes in DI Khan were working with a private contractor on Gomal Zam Road that links Wana with Tank. They were kidnapped from Nilee Kach on October 23 by armed persons. South Waziristan Political Agent Zafarul Islam Khattak called upon elders and sought their help. He said jirga members should work for the release of the kidnapped labourers, otherwise action will be taken under FCR’s responsibilities. One of the labourers had managed to escape but the remaining 21 were taken to an undisclosed location. Once they were set free by kidnappers, they were shifted to the political compound by a jirga. So far none of the militant groups have claimed responsibility for the kidnappings.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2015.