By Fazal Amin Shinwari
Muhammad Zareef Shinwari, also known as Haji Landay, a senior citizen belonging to the Khoga Khel area of Landikotal, was allegedly kidnapped by unidentified armed men, according to his relatives and residents.
The incident has caused considerable anxiety in the area, with community members questioning how such an incident could take place in broad daylight despite the presence of police and other security agencies.
Following the alleged kidnapping, relatives and members of the local community blocked the Pak-Afghan Highway at Cherwazgay to protest the incident and demand the immediate recovery of the missing trader.
Awami National Party (ANP) leader Shah Hussain Shinwari condemned the alleged abduction and called for unity against violence and lawlessness.
“Whoever the victim may be, we must stand united against such acts of violence and lawlessness,” he said.
Mr Shinwari also called for a peaceful protest the following day, urging residents to raise their voices for justice and improved security.
The alleged abduction has renewed concerns among traders and residents over the security situation in Landikotal, where the business community depends heavily on safe movement of people and goods.
Residents urged the authorities to intensify efforts to trace the missing trader, identify those responsible and ensure that those involved are brought to justice.
They also demanded effective measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, warning that continued insecurity could further undermine public confidence in law-enforcement agencies.
The incident remains under investigation, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction and the whereabouts of Muhammad Zareef Shinwari could not be independently verified at the time of publication.
