CHITRAL: Senator Talha Mahmood secured the release of three persons from Sheikhandeh and Bamburet, who had been abducted six months ago by militants on suspicion of espionage from the Astoi summer pasture and taken to Nuristan in Afghanistan.
The abductees remained in captivity for half a year before being released through the senator’s efforts.
They were flown to Islamabad and later accompanied by Talha Mahmood to their hometown of Sheikhandeh, Bamburet.
Despite heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, relatives and villagers gathered in large numbers to welcome them.
Addressing the gathering, Talha Mahmood said he had done everything possible on humanitarian grounds and thanked God for granting success in securing the captives’ release. Referring to an unpleasant incident during his arrival in Drosh, where some persons allegedly attempted to block his route, the senator said it was not a political visit but a humanitarian mission.
He remarked that those responsible should reflect on their actions, adding that no one could deter him from serving the poor people of Chitral through such tactics.
Talha Mahmood said he would continue working for the region’s development, adding that political contests should be left for election time.
He emphasized the role of social media in countering disinformation, saying the public could judge for themselves who genuinely served the poor and who sought to create chaos for personal gain.
