Local administration, police and security forces carry out inspections of checkpoints and vehicles
Vice-Chancellor of Gwadar University, Dr. Abdul Razzaq Sabir, and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Syed Manzoor Ahmed
QUETTA:
A search operation was launched after Gwadar University vice-chancellor Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir and deputy vice-chancellor Dr Syed Manzoor Ahmed went missing while traveling from Gwadar to Quetta on Wednesday evening, according to officials and family sources.
The two senior university officials were traveling in a government vehicle when contact was lost near the Mastung area, officials said.
Family sources and the university administration told media that the two were on an official visit to Quetta when their phone signals were lost after entering Mastung.
Local sources suggested the possibility that the two officials were kidnapped along with the vehicle, although this has not been independently confirmed.
Mastung Deputy Commissioner Bahram Saleem confirmed that authorities were in contact with the families and efforts were underway to find the missing officials.
“All of our administrative and security institutions are active on this issue,” he said, adding that efforts were being made to locate and recover them safely.
Following the incident, the local administration, police and security forces launched a search operation in and around Mastung. Checkpoints were also set up and searches for the vehicle continued.
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So far, no ransom calls or demands from the kidnappers have been reported, officials said.
University sources said the two academics were key figures in the development programs and efforts to improve the institution’s academic standards. Their disappearance sparked concern among students and staff, who announced plans to hold a peace march and prayer rally.
Family members also expressed shock at the incident, describing the two teachers as educators and respected individuals, and called for their safe return.
The provincial government and the Higher Education Commission have demanded an immediate report on the incident. Balochistan’s education minister said security agencies have been instructed to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Search operations continue, while authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation.
