At Least 25 Abducted from Vehicles on Indus Highway in Dera Ismail Khan; Five Reportedly Still Held

Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — October 22, 2026: Armed militants reportedly abducted at least 25 people in two incidents on the Indus Highway overnight, targeting a vehicle carrying Chashma Sugar Mills employees and a passenger vehicle travelling from Taunsa to Rawalpindi.

According to initial reports, 17 employees were abducted from the sugar mill vehicle, while eight passengers were taken from the second vehicle.

Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police sources said 11 civilian hostages were released in the first phase and had returned home. Reports subsequently emerged that another 12 captives had been released, although their return home had not been confirmed.

Police sources said five people, including Punjab Police Special Branch official Alamdar Turabi, remained in militant custody.

Police and military personnel have reportedly launched a joint operation to recover those still missing.

The reported release and custody figures do not yet reconcile with the initial total of 25 abductees. The precise number of people still held therefore remains unclear.

Independent verification is pending.

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