Pakistan
Militants Abduct Woman in Kech; Search Operation Underway
A woman was abducted at gunpoint by armed militants in Balicha’s Kech district on Wednesday evening, prompting police and security agencies to launch a search operation for her recovery.
The incident took place between 4:30 pm and 4:45 pm when a Corolla vehicle stopped outside a residence in Balicha. Several armed men exited the vehicle and forcibly took Nargis, later identified as the abducted woman, before fleeing the area. The abductors were reported to be affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Immediately after the abduction, Nargis’ husband and nephew pursued the vehicle in an attempt to rescue her. The pursuit continued until it was intercepted near the Nasirabad area. Officials said the confrontation escalated when an armed militant emerged from the car carrying an automatic rifle.
More militants arrived at the scene on motorcycles, reinforcing the abductors. Authorities stated that the presence of multiple armed individuals and coordinated movement suggested a premeditated operation conducted openly in daylight.
During the encounter, Nargis’ husband and nephew were assaulted by the militants and their mobile phones were seized before the attackers fled with the abducted woman. No gunfire was reported during the confrontation, but the use of weapons and physical force was confirmed by authorities.
Local residents reported heightened fear following the incident, as the abduction occurred in a populated area. Law enforcement officials stated that the confiscation of mobile phones appeared intended to prevent communication and delay reporting of the incident.
Following the abduction, police and security agencies cordoned off surrounding areas and initiated search operations to trace the vehicle and identify escape routes used by the militants. Checkpoints were established, and intelligence-based efforts were launched to locate the suspects and ensure the safe recovery of Nargis.
Officials said all available leads were being pursued, and coordination was underway between local police, Levies, and other security forces. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the suspects or the direction in which they fled.
An official statement reiterated that the abduction of civilians constitutes a serious criminal offence under Pakistani law, and those responsible would be brought to justice. Security agencies confirmed that operations would continue until Nargis is safely recovered.