Thirteen people were reportedly taken hostage in Bannu while they were transporting their belongings in vehicles to leave the area, according to local sources.
The reported hostages included four brothers — Rehmanullah, Farmanullah, Laiq and Sadiq — as well as Mir Ali, Mohammad Raziq, Azim Khan and three brothers, Sameen, Hamidullah and Rakhidullah. The identities of three other individuals could not be established.
Police have not issued an official statement on the incident. However, police sources confirmed that the incident had taken place.
Meanwhile, a photograph purportedly showing the alleged hostages has circulated on social media. The image also appears to include Nasir alias Gidarh, described as a local commander of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The photograph and the identities of the people shown in it could not be independently verified.
Local sources claimed that militants were attempting to prevent residents from leaving the area and had imposed restrictions on those seeking to relocate.
The sources further alleged that some families who did not comply with the conditions had their houses demolished. These claims could not be independently or officially confirmed.
The security situation in Hathikhel and nearby mountainous areas has reportedly continued to deteriorate, creating difficulties for local residents. Several families have reportedly moved to safer areas amid the security concerns.
