RAWALAKOT: Authorities in Azad Kashmir have reported the alleged kidnapping of eight patrolling police personnel, including a carry‑on driver, who had arrived from Punjab’s Kot Addu for election duty.
At a press conference, Kashmir SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat stated that the policemen were intercepted en route to Rawalakot and allegedly detained by members of the banned Joint Public Action Committee. He further claimed that the abductees were subjected to torture.
The personnel have been identified as Amanullah, Hafeez Amjad, Syed Naeem Abbas, Shafiq Khand, Muhammad Mohsin, Sultan, Nadeem Ahmed, and the driver Sheikh Ali.
However, in a statement released on social media, the Joint Public Action Committee denied the allegation, asserting that the policemen were not in their custody.
The conflicting accounts have prompted an investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident. The abducted personnel are posted at the Taunsa Barrage and Riazabad check posts in Kot Addu district.
Families of the missing policemen expressed deep distress and appealed to relevant institutions for their immediate recovery.
Officials on the other hand said efforts are underway to verify the circumstances and ensure the safe return of the abductees.
