SOUTH WAZIRISTAN (Kashmir English): Security sources have denied the reports of the abduction of MPA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Asif Khan Mehsud, claiming that he voluntarily proceeded to meet members of the banned Fitna Al Khawarij.
Earlier, it was reported that Asif Khan Mehsud was abducted along with several associates by unidentified armed men from the Bazai area of Ladha, South Waziristan.
According to security sources, the MPA had been advised not to proceed toward the sensitive area because of the prevailing security situation. Sources said he was stopped and warned against continuing his journey, but allegedly chose to proceed despite the advice and went ahead to meet the TTP leadership.
Separately, security sources said prior intelligence had indicated that the MPA was planning to visit the area to attend a public gathering. Authorities had reportedly advised him through local elders and senior officials to avoid the visit because of the prevailing situation.
According to the sources, the District Police Officer, the Commissioner, and local tribal elders were also requested to persuade the MPA to select an alternative venue. Security officials had reportedly planned to stop him at a checkpoint if he entered the sensitive area.
Security sources further claimed that, based on the information available to them, there is currently no evidence to support the reports that the MPA was forcibly abducted. They alleged that reports describing the incident as an abduction are inaccurate and said the matter is under investigation.
