Khyber Police Bust Kidnapper Network; Abducted Trader Recovered
PESHAWAR, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 10th Sep, 2026)
District Police Officer (DPO) Khyber, Waqar Ahmed, announced on Thursday that abducted trader Haji Zarif has been safely recovered following 33 days of intense scientific investigation and continuous police operations.
Addressing a press conference, the DPO stated that Haji Zarif was kidnapped on August 7, and an FIR was registered at Landi Kotal Police Station the same day. A joint team of Khyber Police and security agencies, including the Frontier Corps (FC), Khyber Rifles, FIA, CTD, and IB, successfully traced and recovered the victim.
The DPO revealed that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of $300,000.
Police utilized modern scientific and technical methods, including IPDR, internet protocol data, and WhatsApp linkages, to trace the network. Four key suspects were identified—three from Landi Kotal and one from Peshawar. Three main accused, identified as Fayaz Sadu Khel, Umar Ali Sadu Khel, and Khayal Badshah alias Gulalno, were arrested.
During the investigation, when suspects moved to Karachi and shut down their phones, police widened the scope by arresting 16 to 17 facilitators and secondary accomplices to increase pressure. Following a breakthrough lead last night, a joint team of the Landi Kotal SHO and Khyber Rifles conducted an operation in the mountainous area, recovering Haji Zarif safely.
Waqar Ahmed commended the joint efforts of all departments and officers involved, reiterating Khyber Police’s commitment to protecting citizens’ lives and property and combating criminal elements.
