Two officials of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) were reportedly abducted by militants from the Thore area of Chilas in Diamer district, close to the Diamer-Bhasha Dam construction site.
Dawn reported, citing official sources, confirming that both officials, originally from Punjab, were working on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project. Police said the incident took place on Saturday when the officials, accompanied by six local colleagues, went to the Gabar area of Thore to buy walnuts during their day off. Upon arrival, they were intercepted and taken away by armed militants into the nearby mountainous region.
A government official said the Thore region is known for the presence of militant groups. He added that local religious leaders had been engaged to negotiate with the abductors for the safe release of the officials. “Three rounds of talks have been held so far,” the source said, adding that the militants have made specific demands, details of which were not disclosed.
Meanwhile, residents of Thore valley convened a jirga on Sunday to denounce the abduction and demand swift government action. The gathering, attended by a large number of locals, unanimously passed a resolution declaring that the abduction was an individual act unrelated to the people of Thore.
