Asma Jatak, who was abducted earlier this month, was recovered following a tireless operation by Balochistan’s police and intelligence agencies. After her release, she spoke to protesters, recounting her ordeal and confirming she had been abducted and tortured.
In her emotional speech, Asma described how her house was attacked at around 2 AM by a group of armed men. She detailed that her family was beaten, and she was forcibly abducted. Asma said she was blindfolded, choked, and thrown into a car trunk, where she was tortured until she passed out.
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Asma revealed she was held in a remote location and forced to give a statement under duress. She was threatened with the killing of her father and brothers if she did not comply. “I haven’t eaten or drunk anything for three days. She further said that I endured unimaginable suffering,” Asma said, thanking the public for their support. “I am free now, and this is thanks to all of you.”
Incident Details
The abduction took place late at night in the Shazad City area, located along the N-25 highway in Khuzdar. According to police sources, over a dozen armed men stormed the residence of local resident Inayatullah Jatk, beat his family, and abducted his daughter, Asma.
Following the incident, the family and locals staged protests by blocking major points on the N-25 highway, including the Jhalawan Vegetable Market and Zero Point. Despite multiple negotiations led by SSP Javed Zehri, the talks between the protesters and police were unsuccessful.
Police Action and Arrests
In response to public outcry, the Balochistan government launched operations, with police and Levies forces arresting several suspects. According to Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rand, one suspicious individual was taken into custody, and a case was registered against the main suspect, Zahoor Ahmad, and his accomplices.
Controversial Video and Public Debate
A joint video of Asma Jatak and Zahoor Ahmad surfaced shortly after the abduction, in which both claimed that Asma had willingly gone with Zahoor Ahmad, denying the claims of abduction. However, Asma’s sister released another video refuting this statement, accusing the authorities of mishandling the case.
In the aftermath, government officials confirmed that under the direct supervision of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, police and Levies forces conducted operations over two nights in Khuzdar and Soroab. The operation resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects and the safe recovery of Asma Jatak.
Asma’s release is being praised as a major success for law enforcement, who worked hard to secure her freedom.