PARACHINAR: The body of Riaz Khan, who was abducted from the Bushera area of Upper Kurram, was recovered from the Karakhela desert, police officials said on Tuesday.
With this recovery, they said, the number of abductees found murdered in the past 24 hours has risen to two, heightening fears and tension in the sectarian-hit region.According to police sources, Riaz Khan was kidnapped by unidentified assailants a few days ago from his native village of Bushera. His body was later found dumped in the Karakhela desert, indicating he was killed after abduction.
Earlier, the body of tribal elder Haji Kakay, a resident of Malikhel, was recovered near the banks of the Kurram River close to Bushera. Both incidents have sparked widespread condemnation among local tribal elders.
Tribal leaders Jalal Bangash and Haji Saleem Khan expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, stating that despite the presence of multiple security check posts in the area, such incidents continue to occur. They urged the government and law-enforcement agencies to take immediate and effective measures to curb abductions and killings.
Following the incidents, traffic on the Peshawar–Parachinar highway has been suspended, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and residents. The main highway has remained closed for the past 14 months due to repeated firing and killing incidents, despite several peace jirgas held to restore normalcy. Meanwhile, the district administration said efforts are underway to fully reopen the main highway for traffic and improve the overall security situation in the area.
