Hayatabad; Kidnappers Paradise

Javed Aziz Khan

Publishing Date: Wednesday, March 2 2005

The Anti Kidnapping Force (AKF) had injured one of the six alleged kidnappers and arrested another after they went after the criminals in the case. Sai Khan, one of the six alleged kidnappers, escaped in wounded condition while Saidak who surrendered to the political authorities managed his flee from the lock up. The political authorities suspended six officials for their negligence and claimed they were raiding various hideouts to arrest the kidnappers. The doctors' community and relatives of the kidnapped surgeon were putting continuous pressure on government for the release of Dr Sarwar. They also staged demos outside the NWFP Assembly where the authorities assured every step would be taken for the release of the kidnappee.

Engineer Zahid is another fortunate person who managed his release from the custody of kidnappers. He had been kid-napped while on his way to Gurgury gasfield in Karak. Kidnappers also freed his driver. Many suspect the criminals released him after payment of huge amount, like others who have returned during the past two three months. Kidnapping for ransom is on the rise in the city and other parts of the province for many months. The authorities while taking serious note of the situation established special force to combat the menace but are looking unsuccessful to bring an end to the crime.

The posh Hayatabad area is being considered most vulnerable place where kidnappers are striking continuously. The latest incident was of kidnapping of nephew of former president of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Faiz Rasool. The kid-napped young man, Ayaz, was on his way back to home from factory on February 26 when some people kidnapped him, apparently for ransom, and took him to unknown place. Hewad is another child who had been kidnappedfrom Hayatabad. The incident occurred on February 19. The 10 years old son of Saifur Rahman was on his way to uncle's house when unidentified criminals picked him up and took him away to unknown place.

Another student, Ismatullah, a son of prominent trader Bakhtullah, fell prey to kidnappers in a similar fashion. The place again was Hayatabad and the incident occurred on February 10. The student was studying in 10th in a local school. Saududdin is also a student who is missing since February 21. Some believe he has been kidnapped over a business dispute. People are feeling very much insecure while travelling across the city and blame the law en-forcers for the situation. The residents of Hayatabad are particularly worried about what is happening for the past many months and are looking for any stern action against kidnappers so that the practice could end.

Only a few people could manage their release after a number have been kidnapped for ransom from the well-guarded capital city during the past few months. A dental surgeon from Danishabad. Dr Sarwar Shah and an engineer of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, Zahid Khan are the two lucky persons who have been released from the custody of criminals last month. It was always observed that most of the kidnapped persons could manage their release after payment of huge ransom. But the relatives of Dr Sarwar Shah denied payment of any ransom to the kidnappers. It was said that the kidnappers after continuous pressure by the law enforcers handed over Dr Sarwar, kidnapped from Danishabad on October 6 2004, to Bara Peace Committee on February 21 from where he was brought to Khyber House: The authorities claimed