The son of Ziarat Assistant Commissioner (AC) Muhammad Afzal, who was abducted alongside his father two months ago, has been recovered, police confirmed on Friday. The young boy reached Zardalu in the Harnai district, where he is currently in the custody of the Deputy Commissioner of Harnai. However, the fate and whereabouts of AC Muhammad Afzal remain unknown, keeping the case shrouded in uncertainty.
Abduction from Zezri Picnic Spot
The incident took place two months ago during a visit to the Zezri picnic spot, a popular tourist location in Balochistan. According to police and local officials, AC Afzal was accompanied by his son, a gunman, and his driver when their vehicle was intercepted by unidentified armed men. The attackers released the driver and the gunman shortly after but abducted the assistant commissioner and his son. The group then torched the official vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Security forces and local authorities launched an extensive search and rescue operation in the surrounding areas the same day. Despite efforts, no immediate leads emerged on the location or condition of the abducted individuals.
Rumours of Death and Forensic Clarification
In September, widespread speculation emerged on social media and local news outlets claiming that AC Muhammad Afzal and his son had been killed in captivity. Reacting to the rumours, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti addressed the provincial assembly, stating that initial reports of “martyrdom” were not verified. He later clarified that the information was false after a forensic examination of a photograph that had been circulating in connection with the case.
As of now, police have reiterated that the assistant commissioner remains missing, while his son is safe and in government custody. The development comes amid a growing number of abductions of government officials in Balochistan. Earlier this year, Assistant Commissioner of Tump, Mohammad Hanif Norzai, was also kidnapped, highlighting a disturbing pattern of insecurity in the region.
Authorities have promised to continue their efforts to safely recover AC Muhammad Afzal and bring those responsible to justice.
