Assistant Commissioner Hanif Noorzai Rescued After Four Months in Captivity

Quetta: Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Hanif Noorzai, who was abducted from Kech district in Balochistan four months ago, has been safely recovered after a successful security operation. According to officials, the operation was carried out near the Iran border based on precise intelligence reports.

Deputy Commissioner Kech, Bashir Ahmed Badich, confirmed that Frontier Corps, Levies Force, and the Counter-Terrorism Department jointly conducted the raid. A heavy exchange of fire took place during the operation, resulting in the death of some abductors, while others managed to flee.

Following his rescue, Noorzai was shifted to Turbat Civil Hospital, where doctors declared his health stable, though he appeared to be under psychological stress due to his prolonged captivity. He was later flown to Quetta on the Chief Minister’s special aircraft for further medical care and rest.

It may be recalled that Hanif Noorzai was kidnapped on June 4, 2025, during Eid holidays while travelling towards Quetta. Armed men intercepted his vehicle near Tigranabad in the Tump area, taking him away while releasing his family members and companions. The outlawed Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) had claimed responsibility for the abduction.

Local communities and civil society members have welcomed the safe recovery, terming it a positive step towards restoring peace in the province. Meanwhile, security forces have launched additional search operations to track down the remaining culprits involved in the kidnapping.