Pakistani Taliban release another atomic energy worker, seven still held

The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has released another Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission employee as a “goodwill gesture” following requests from local elders, officials said.

The worker, identified as Irfanullah Marwat, was among 17 employees abducted last month from the Lakki Marwat district in northwest Pakistan. Before his release, the militants recorded a video message of him.

Seven workers remain in captivity.

The abduction took place on Jan. 9 when unidentified gunmen attacked a vehicle transporting atomic energy workers to the Qabul Khel Uranium Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The TTP later claimed responsibility.

Security forces rescued eight hostages through operations and negotiations with tribal elders. On Jan. 25, the militants released another worker after a similar request from local leaders.

In a statement, the TTP said the latest release was “a gesture of goodwill” following appeals from Marwat elders.

Relatives of the abducted workers, backed by the local community, held a grand jirga last month at the School Ground in Dalokhel. The gathering issued a two-day ultimatum to authorities for the workers’ safe return.

"If the authorities fail to act, we will initiate a sit-in, shut down the Qabul Khel Uranium Plant, and cut gas supplies to Punjab," the jirga declared.

Deputy Commissioner of Lakki Marwat Zeeshan Abdullah assured families that efforts were underway. “We are doing everything possible to ensure their safe recovery soon,” he told Nukta.

Rising militancy

Lakki Marwat is among several border areas experiencing a surge in militant activity. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants, a charge Kabul denies.

The TTP is the country’s most active militant group. While it primarily targets security forces, it has also carried out kidnappings for ransom.

The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, operating under the Ministry of Defense, oversees atomic research for agriculture, medicine, and industry. A district official confirmed that uranium mining was ongoing at the site.