Kharan Deputy Commissioner Munir Sumro, who was abducted last month while travelling in Balochistan, was released on Friday, according to local authorities.
Balochistan Home Department Media Adviser Babar Yousafzai confirmed the official’s release in a statement, describing the development as welcome news.
Munir Sumro was abducted on 20 September while travelling from Quetta to Kharan. According to officials, unidentified armed men intercepted his vehicle in the Barshonki area of Kharan district and took him along with three other individuals.
At the time of the abduction, authorities stated that the deputy commissioner was travelling in a private vehicle rather than an official government convoy.
Three days after the incident, the abductors holding the officials released Sumro’s driver and security guard. No details were immediately available regarding the circumstances of the deputy commissioner’s release or whether any negotiations had taken place.
Following the abduction, authorities said efforts were under way to secure his recovery. A member of the Balochistan cabinet told the media at the time that, in addition to official channels, tribal intermediaries and local influence were also being utilised in attempts to secure his release.
The abduction of senior government officials remains relatively uncommon in Balochistan, although the region has witnessed periodic kidnappings, attacks on government personnel and security-related incidents amid a long-running insurgency involving armed groups and state forces.
Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the identity of those responsible for the abduction or the circumstances leading to Munir Sumro’s release.