QUETTA: A business tycoon of Balochistan and a political leader of Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Haji Naseebullah Khan Achakzai was reportedly abducted by unidentified men late on Friday night.

Sources said a group of armed men intercepted Mr Achakzai at gunpoint in the Baleli area on the outskirts of the provincial capital while he was on his way from Chaman to Quetta.

After stopping his vehicle at the Quetta-Chaman national highway, the armed men took him away in a car to an undisclosed location.

Balochistan’s caretaker minister for information, Jan Achakzai, said that social media has brought to light the disappearance of Mr Achakzai from Baleli area.

“We are investigating how this incident took place and so far we have no confirmation that it was a kidnapping incident,” Mr Achakzai said.

He added that caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Domki has directed the police and relevant authorities to investigate the incident.

The authorities concerned are actively looking into the matter, the caretaker information minister added.

According to the minister, he has spoken with the Balochistan inspector general of police and expressed confidence that investigators would promptly ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and apprehend those responsible for the kidnapping.

The Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry vehemently denounced the reported abduction of Mr Achakzai, urging for his prompt and secure release.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2023