By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: A protest sit-in demanding the safe recovery of aged businessman Muhammad Zareef Shinwari entered its 12th consecutive day on Tuesday at Charwazgai Chowk in Landikotal of Khyber district.
A large number of political and social workers, traders, civil society activists, office-bearers of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), and tribal elders and notables attended the protest and addressed the participants.
Awami National Party (ANP) leader Shah Hussain Shinwari alleged in his speech that Landikotal SHO Adnan Afridi was in connivance with the kidnappers. He claimed that well-known trader Muhammad Zareef Shinwari had been abducted for ransom.
Shah Hussain warned that if the abducted businessman was not safely released, the Landikotal SHO and four of his colleagues would be held responsible. He further said that if Muhammad Zareef was not handed over safely within the next 24 hours, an emergency meeting of would be convened with the Khyber Seyasi Etihad(political alliance) to decide further action.
A delegation from the Zakhakhel Qaumi committee, comprising Azizullah Afridi, Murad Hussain Afridi, Shaoor Afridi, Haji Khursheed, Abdul Samad, Hamidullah, Younas Afridi, Iran Afridi and others also attended the sit-in.
The delegation urged the government to ensure the immediate and safe recovery of Haji Muhammad Zareef. They said the Zakhakhel tribe stood with the protesters and was ready to extend all possible cooperation.
72-year-old Muhammad Zareef Shinwari, an elderly businessman, was allegedly abducted 12 days ago by unidentified armed men who stopped his vehicle and forcibly took him away while he was travelling from his home towards his newly under-construction residence near Landikotal bazaar. His whereabouts remain unknown till date.
A first information report (FIR) has been registered at the Landikotal police station on the complaint of his son. Police officials said raids were being conducted at different locations to ensure the safe recovery of the abducted businessman.
