Abducted Pakistan nuclear agency official freed after jirga secures release from TTP

An official from Pakistan’s Atomic Energy Commission, abducted earlier this year by the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has returned home after being released through tribal mediation, local elders said Friday.

Senior Technician Ehsanullah Khan was handed over to a jirga—an informal council of tribal elders—from the Lakki Marwat district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He had reportedly fallen seriously ill during his months-long captivity.

“He was released without any conditions or demands,” Naseer Turab, a member of the Ranra Aman Jirga, told Nukta.

Dr. Iqbal, the jirga’s head, confirmed Khan’s return and said the TTP responded positively after learning about his health. “We formally requested his release, and they accepted our appeal,” he said.

Khan is currently undergoing treatment at home and may be shifted to a hospital in Peshawar or Islamabad for specialized care.

Hope for others still held

Dr. Iqbal also expressed hope for the release of the five remaining Atomic Energy Commission employees still held by the TTP. “Talks are underway, and we are optimistic that all the employees will be released soon,” he added.

Jirga members declined to disclose where or how the negotiations took place with the banned group.

January ambush and abduction

The abduction occurred on January 9, when unidentified gunmen ambushed a vehicle transporting 16 commission staff to the Qabul Khel Uranium Project in Lakki Marwat. The TTP later claimed responsibility for the attack.

That same day, security forces rescued eight of the abducted workers. Two more were freed on January 26 and February 2 after appeals from tribal elders. One employee died in captivity and was later handed over to the elders.

In response to the incident, tribal elders formed the Ranra Aman Jirga to open dialogue with the TTP, using traditional methods of mediation. Similar jirgas have previously helped secure the release of hostages in other tribal districts.

Silence from authorities

The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, which operates under the Ministry of Defense, has not commented publicly on the abductions. Neither the federal nor provincial governments have issued any statements about the incident.

Lakki Marwat, a remote district bordering the former tribal areas, has seen a rise in militant activity in recent years. The TTP remains the most active insurgent group in the region, frequently targeting security forces and government officials.