Abducted Ghizer man recovered from Balochistan after 25 days

GILGIT: A young man from the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, who had been abducted while attempting to reach Europe through an illegal human-smuggling route, has been safely recovered, his family confirmed on Friday.

The 25-year-old, identified as Wasim Akram from Thoi village in Yasin Valley, currently settled in Gujrat, had been missing since August 25, after last contacting his family from Balochistan.

According to his family, Wasim left home last month, lured by an agent who promised him safe passage through the notorious human-smuggling route known as the “dunki” or “donkey” route.

Wasim’s final communication occurred on August 25, when he called his family around 10:00 am. Soon after, all contact was lost. His last known location was traced to Dalbandin, a remote area in Balochistan, often frequented by human smugglers. Days later, the family received a disturbing video from an unknown source, showing Wasim and two other men in distress, appearing to be held captive. The location of the video was undisclosed, and the identities of the captors remained unknown.

Wasim’s brother, Ibrar Hussain, told HUM News English that his brother had been kidnapped along with two other individuals from Punjab by the separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). “Thanks to the efforts of the Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies, my brother has been rescued,” Ibrar said, expressing deep gratitude. “My family and I will always be thankful to the security forces who saved our beloved family member.”

Ibrar further added that the abductees are currently in the custody of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and are safe. “They will reach home in three to four days,” he said.

According to Ibrar, Wasim and the other captives were recovered during an intelligence-based operation conducted by law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in Chagai District, Balochistan. He described how Wasim, still terrorized, briefly spoke to him and his wife after the rescue but struggled to talk properly due to the trauma he had endured. “The terrorists intended to kill them, but their plans were foiled by intelligence agencies,” Ibrar added.

The use of the “dunki” route has been a growing concern for authorities, as many young men from impoverished regions of Pakistan are being lured by traffickers with false promises of safe passage to Europe. However, the route, often crossing through dangerous terrain in Balochistan and Iran, has proven perilous, with many facing detention, abduction, or worse.

While Wasim’s family is thankful for his safe return, the incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by human smuggling and the terrorist groups exploiting these vulnerable individuals.