In one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s most sensitive southern districts, Bannu, terrorists of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan—referred to by the state as Fitna al-Khawarij—abducted a prominent tribal elder, sparking public outrage and protests against the provincial government’s failure to ensure security.
Sources told reporters the abducted man is Shahabuddin, son of Gulab Khan, who was kidnapped from the Malik area of Domail tehsil within the jurisdiction of Ahmadzai police station. According to witnesses, the militants confronted Shahabuddin after he refused their demand to feed them; following his refusal he was threatened and then taken away at gunpoint.
Locals identified the abductors as the khariji commander Naseer, known locally as “Geedar (Jackal),” and seven accomplices. They said the group transported Shahabuddin toward Barghantoon Dam (local spelling varies), from where his whereabouts remain uncertain.
News of the kidnapping spread rapidly through the area, triggering announcements from mosques and spontaneous demonstrations. Protesters voiced anger not only at the militants but also at the provincial government, accusing authorities of failing to ensure public safety.
An elders’ jirga composed of community leaders has since been formed and travelled to the Barghantoon Dam area to open negotiations aimed at securing the elder’s release and finding a peaceful resolution. Jirga members are currently engaged in talks with the militants, residents said.
Local people appealed to the federal government and security forces to take immediate and effective action, saying militants move with impunity while the provincial administration remains inactive. “Terrorists are roaming freely; the provincial government appears to be asleep,” one resident said, calling for prompt operations to end the militants’ reign of fear.
