SHIKARPUR: In a major operation conducted in the katcha area of Shikarpur, police claimed to have safely rescued an 11-year-old girl allegedly kidnapped from Karachi, while two suspected robbers were killed during an exchange of fire with law enforcement personnel.
According to officials, the operation continued for nearly two days in the riverine forests near Kot Shahu, where heavily armed criminal groups are believed to operate. Police said the kidnapped girl, identified as Hureen Pathan, was recovered safely and shifted to a secure location after the operation.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shikarpur Malik Kaleem stated that the rescue mission was carried out jointly by Shikarpur Police and Rangers.
“The innocent girl was safely rescued during the operation. A key accused involved in the kidnapping network, Waheed Arain alias Malan, was killed, while several facilitators were injured,” the SSP said.
Police further claimed that another suspected robber, identified as Yasin Banglani, was also killed during the crackdown, while more than 25 armed accomplices reportedly sustained injuries and retreated deeper into the katcha area.
Kidnapping Case Sparked Public Outrage
According to police sources, the girl’s family originally belongs to Peshawar. She had reportedly travelled to Karachi to visit relatives when she was allegedly abducted on March 28 and later shifted to the katcha region of Sindh.
The incident triggered widespread concern in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where protests were reportedly held by members of the Pathan community demanding the girl’s recovery. The matter also drew attention in political circles, with discussions allegedly taking place in the Senate and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.
Allegations of Torture
The victim’s mother, Salma, alleged that the kidnappers demanded ransom for her daughter’s release. She claimed the family sold household belongings and jewellery to arrange approximately Rs1.5 million.
In a statement narrated by police officials and local sources, the mother alleged that after reaching Sukkur with the ransom amount, she too was abducted and held captive for several days.
She further alleged that both she and her daughter were subjected to torture while in captivity.
“My daughter was tortured in front of me and burned with cigarettes,” the grieving mother reportedly told authorities after the rescue.
The allegations could not be independently verified, and authorities have not yet released medical reports related to the claims.
Katcha Region Remains a Security Challenge
The riverine katcha belt of northern Sindh has long been considered a stronghold for organized criminal gangs involved in kidnappings for ransom, attacks on police, and highway robberies.
Security officials say the difficult terrain and dense forest cover often complicate operations against armed groups in the area.
SSP Malik Kaleem said police would continue targeted operations against criminal gangs operating in the region.
“During the recent operations, several kidnapped women and hostages have also been recovered from criminal networks,” he said.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the total number of arrests made during the latest operation. Investigations into the kidnapping and alleged torture are ongoing.
For more updates and detailed coverage of this case and other issues affecting in Sindh, Pakistan, stay tuned to Sindh Renaissance.
