Bannu: Unknown armed men kidnapped five employees of the Safe City Project in the limits of Cantt Police Station, Mamash Khel area, prompting police to launch a search operation.

According to sources, the abducted workers were present in Mamash Khel for official duties when armed men held them at gunpoint and took them to an unknown location.

Police reached the site soon after the incident, cordoned off the area, and initiated a search operation. Officials said efforts are underway to recover the abductees and arrest those involved, while different aspects of the case are being investigated.

The kidnapped individuals have been identified as Muhammad Ali, Zahid Khan, Ghulam Sadiq, Noor Habib, and Waheedullah, all residents of Bajaur district. They were working as civil laborers with the Safe City Project in Bannu.

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It is worth noting that incidents of kidnapping, target killings, and firing have increased in Bannu in recent months. Two months ago, three brothers were abducted from a mosque within Cantt Police Station limits; later, two were killed while one was released.

Just a day earlier, in the limits of Huwed Police Station in Shah Deu, unidentified motorcyclists opened fire, injuring FRP police constable Zahid Khan and his four-year-old daughter Zoya Gul. Both were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

DPO Bannu, Yasir Afridi, visited the hospital, inquired about their condition, and assured full support to the family.

Amid the worsening law and order situation and rising kidnappings, tribal elders recently announced an “Aman Pasoon” (Peace Movement), demanding effective measures to restore peace and end unrest in the area.