Seven police personnel, including Station House Officer (SHO) Ahmad Shah Mehsud, who were abducted in Upper South Waziristan a day ago, were recovered through the efforts of local tribal elders, police officials confirmed on Thursday.

According to district police authorities, all recovered personnel returned safely to the Sararogha Police Lines and were reported to be in satisfactory condition.

District Police Officer (DPO) Arshad Khan said following the abduction, the district administration and local tribal elders launched coordinated efforts to secure the release of the hostages. He credited the successful recovery to the mediation and continuous engagement of tribal leaders.

“The role of tribal elders was instrumental in resolving the situation peacefully,” Khan said, expressing gratitude for their cooperation.

Police said that SHO Mehsud, along with personnel from the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) and other police officers, had travelled to the remote Pertogai area of Sararogha tehsil on Wednesday to defuse an unexploded mortar shell. After completing the operation and declaring the area safe, the team was returning when unidentified armed men intercepted and abducted them, taking them to an undisclosed location.

According to police sources, the incident occurred approximately six kilometres from Sararogha Police Station. Security agencies were placed on high alert following the abduction, while local tribal elders immediately initiated contacts aimed at securing the officers’ release.

Authorities said sustained coordination among tribal leaders, the district administration, and relevant institutions ultimately led to the safe recovery of all seven personnel.

The incident comes amid growing security concerns in Upper South Waziristan, where several shootings and violent incidents in recent weeks have resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, raising fears about the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the region.

Local tribal representatives and political leaders have voiced concern over the increasing security challenges and urged the government to take effective measures against terrorist elements and strengthen security arrangements to safeguard residents’ lives and property.

Meanwhile, security officials maintained that efforts to preserve peace and stability in the area were ongoing and that security forces remained fully vigilant against any potential terrorist or subversive activities.