The kidnapped Vice Chancellor of the University of Gwadar, along with two senior academic officials and a driver, has been safely recovered from the Kurdgap area of Mastung after remaining missing for nearly 12 days, officials confirmed on Sunday.
According to official sources, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Syed Manzoor Ahmed, Lecturer and Personal Staff Officer Dr Muhammad Irshad, and driver Hatim Badal were recovered during a security operation in Mastung’s Kurdgap area.
The four had been abducted on May 13 when armed men allegedly linked to the banned militant outfit BLA intercepted their vehicle while they were travelling from Gwadar to Quetta.
Kidnapping Incident in Mastung
Officials said the incident took place in Khad Kocha near Kund Umrani Badrang, approximately 90 kilometres from Quetta.
The victims had departed from Gwadar for Quetta when contact with them was suddenly lost before reaching the provincial capital.
Mastung and adjoining border areas of Kalat have witnessed incidents of insecurity over the past several years, including road blockades, kidnappings, attacks on passengers and assaults on government officials by the banned BLA.
Who is Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir?
Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir is one of Balochistan’s most respected educationists, researchers and literary figures.
A native of Kurdgap, Mastung, he was appointed as the first Vice Chancellor of the University of Gwadar in 2021 and has since played a central role in expanding higher education opportunities in coastal Balochistan.
He is widely recognised for his research and contributions to Brahui language and literature and has been awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan for his services in education.
Academic Contributions of Dr Syed Manzoor Ahmed
University of Gwadar Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Syed Manzoor Ahmed is regarded as a leading economist and researcher in Balochistan.
He has authored more than 38 research papers on Gwadar’s economy, resource distribution, poverty, federalism, ethnic politics, conflict studies and CPEC.
Rising Attacks on Educated Professionals in Balochistan
Security analysts say militant organisations have increasingly targeted educated professionals and academics in Balochistan in attempts to undermine literacy and intellectual development.
According to official reports and conservative figures, since 2008, between 260 to 320 teachers and education staff members have been killed in targeted attacks across the province.
Recent incidents include the killing of Professor Gham Khwar Hayat Baloch in Nushki on May 16, 2026, and the assassination of University of Kharan lecturer and resident of Turbat Balochistan, Dilawar Khan earlier this year in March by the banned Baloch Liberation Army.
Former Balochistan Education Minister Shafiq Ahmed Khan was also assassinated in Quetta in October 2009.
Intellectual Brain Drain in Balochistan
Over the last two decades, hundreds of educated professionals — including teachers, professors, doctors, engineers, journalists and students — have fallen victim to BLA and BLF violence in Balochistan.
Experts warn these attacks have contributed to severe intellectual and professional brain drain, posing a major challenge to the province’s educational progress and long-term development.
The safe recovery of the University of Gwadar officials has been welcomed by academic circles and civil society, though concerns remain over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Balochistan.
