PTI reports 8 lawmakers missing or detained in KP

PTI reports 8 lawmakers missing or detained in KP

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has reported the alleged abduction or arrest of eight lawmakers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa since September 20, including three members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and five members of the provincial assembly (MPAs). The party has also raised concerns over more than 18 workers and office-bearers whose whereabouts remain unknown.

PTI leaders say the incidents have increased since the party announced its long march, disrupting organisational activities and raising concerns among party members. However, official confirmation of the circumstances surrounding each case remains limited, with some incidents reported as abductions and others described as arrests linked to investigations.

According to the party’s account, the incidents began on September 20 with an alleged attempt to abduct Provincial Minister for Construction and Communication Shakeel Khan. The following day, Provincial Minister for Irrigation Fazal Shakoor Khan was reportedly taken from a motorway toll plaza.

On September 22, MNA Fazal Khan, who represents Charsadda, was allegedly taken from Rashakai. Later that night, or in the early hours of September 23, MNA Zubair Khan from South Waziristan was reportedly abducted from his residence in Dera Ismail Khan.

The reports continued on September 25, when MPA Muhammad Riaz from Kolai-Palas was reported missing. A day later, unidentified individuals allegedly took Swat MPA Sultan Rom.

In another incident, armed assailants reportedly opened fire at the hujra of MPA Abdul Karim Tordher in Swabi before taking his brother, Abdul Nasir, and three security guards. The party has also reported the arrests in Islamabad of Chitral MPA Fateh-ul-Mulk Nasir and Tank MNA Dawar Kundi.

PTI has cited several earlier cases as part of its concerns. These include the reported abduction of Insaf Lawyers Forum regional general secretary Amir Ijaz on September 17 and the alleged disappearance of Dr Nabi Jan, associated with the Insaf Doctors Forum. In Mardan, MPA Abdul Salam Afridi was also reportedly abducted, prompting the registration of a first information report with police.

Party representatives have described the incidents as a pattern of targeting elected representatives and grassroots workers. They argue that the situation has created fear among party ranks and hampered preparations for the planned long march.

Meanwhile, families and party lawyers continue to seek information about those whose whereabouts remain unknown. While some cases have entered the police and legal system, questions remain about the status of several individuals.

The reported incidents have heightened political tensions in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with PTI demanding clarity about the missing persons and the circumstances surrounding the arrests. Independent confirmation of the party’s claims and the status of all those named remains limited.