DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Two brothers working as tube-well operators have been abducted by unidentified armed men in the Rodi Khel area of Dera Ismail Khan, police said, prompting a protest that blocked the main Bannu Road.
The victims, identified as Ismatullah and Samiullah, were reportedly taken away by armed individuals within the jurisdiction of Yarik Police Station.
Following the incident, family members and local residents gathered at Sidra Mor, blocked the road and demanded the immediate and safe recovery of the brothers, along with the arrest of those responsible.
Protest Causes Major Traffic Disruption
Protesters placed obstacles on the main Bannu Road, bringing traffic to a standstill. Long queues of vehicles, passenger buses and other transport were reported on both sides, causing significant inconvenience to commuters.
Police arrived at the scene and held negotiations with the demonstrators in an effort to persuade them to reopen the road.
Officials said investigations were underway to trace the abducted brothers and identify those involved.
Separate Protest Over Missing Sugar Mill Employees
The latest incident has added to security concerns in Dera Ismail Khan, where a separate mass abduction in Prowa tehsil remains unresolved.
A protest camp has been established outside Prowa Hospital over the continued non-recovery of employees of Chashma Sugar Mills Unit-II and other individuals abducted approximately eight days earlier.
According to reports, around 22 people were abducted from two buses in Prowa tehsil, including 17 employees of local sugar mills. Their continued disappearance has caused distress among their families and concern throughout the area.
Protesters have urged the government, police and relevant law enforcement agencies to take immediate measures to secure the safe release of all those abducted.
They have also called for a comprehensive strategy to prevent further kidnappings and protect residents. Participants said they would decide on their next steps and consider continuing the protest until the missing employees were safely recovered.
Unverified Claims Circulate on Social Media
Separately, a statement circulated on social media by a banned organisation claimed that 11 civilians allegedly detained from Prowa tehsil on October 20 had been released as a goodwill gesture.
The statement further claimed that five other individuals, whom the organisation described as affiliated with security institutions, had been moved to a secure location for further investigation.
These claims could not be independently verified. The whereabouts and condition of the remaining abductees remain a serious concern for their families and the local community.
Authorities continue to face demands for the safe recovery of the missing individuals and effective measures to address the district’s security concerns.