QUETTA: The vice chancellor and pro-vice chancellor of the University of Gwadar, along with another university employee and their driver, safely returned home on Sunday after remaining missing for around 10 days, officials confirmed.
According to Balochistan Home Department aide Babar Yousafzai, all four individuals reached their homes safely after a tense period that had raised serious concerns across the province. The development brought relief to the families, academic community, and government authorities involved in the search efforts.
The officials who returned home include Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir, Pro-Vice Chancellor Syed Manzoor Ahmed, VC staff officer Irshad Ahmed, and their driver Hatim Ali.
Sources in Mastung police said the university officials and the driver were recovered in the Kardgap area of Mastung district. While details regarding their disappearance and release remain unclear, authorities confirmed that all four individuals were safe and in stable condition after returning home.
The University of Gwadar officials had gone missing on May 13 while travelling from Gwadar to Quetta. Their mobile phones had reportedly been switched off shortly after their disappearance, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace their location.
Police officials earlier suspected that the group may have been kidnapped while travelling through the region. Following the incident, security forces launched a large-scale intelligence-based operation to locate the missing officials. Several suspected hideouts and locations were reportedly raided during the search efforts.
The disappearance of the university officials had sparked concern among academic circles and civil society groups in Balochistan. Many had demanded immediate action from the provincial government and security institutions for their safe recovery.
Officials have not yet released complete details regarding the circumstances surrounding their disappearance or the operation that led to their recovery. However, authorities said investigations are ongoing and further information will be shared after initial inquiries are completed.
The safe return of the Gwadar University vice chancellor and his team has been welcomed across Balochistan, especially within educational institutions where concerns over security and safe travel routes remain a major issue.
