NEW DELHI: A search operation has been launched by the security forces after University of Gwadar Vice Chancellor Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir and Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Syed Manzoor Ahmed went missing while travelling from Gwadar to Quetta on the night of May 13. The two senior university officials were travelling in a government vehicle when contact was lost near the Mastung area, officials said.
Family sources and university administration told the media that the two were on an official visit to Quetta when their phone signals were lost after entering Mastung. Local sources suggested the possibility that both officials may have been abducted along with the vehicle, although this was not independently confirmed.
Mastung Deputy Commissioner Bahram Saleem confirmed that authorities were in contact with the families and that efforts were underway to trace the missing officials. “Our entire administration and security institutions are active on this matter,” he said, adding that efforts were being made to locate and recover them safely, according to report of The Balochistan Post.
Following the incident, local administration, police and security forces launched a search operation in Mastung and the surrounding areas. Checkpoints were also set up and searches for the vehicle were ongoing. So far, no ransom call or demands from any abductors were reported, officials said.
Top Academicians of Gwadar University
University sources said both academics were key figures in development programmes and efforts to improve academic standards at the institution. Their disappearance caused concern among students and staff, who announced plans for a peace march and prayer gathering.
Family members also expressed shock over the incident, describing the two professors as respected educators and individuals, and appealed for their safe return.
The provincial government and the Higher Education Commission sought an immediate report into the incident. Balochistan’s education minister said security agencies were directed to carry out a transparent investigation and ensure those responsible were brought to justice.
Search operations were continuing, while authorities said they were closely monitoring the situation.
Some local sources said that two senior university academicians, their driver and another person travelling with them have been abducted by armed men travelling on motorcycles. The vehicle carrying the four men was reportedly stopped before the occupants were taken to an undisclosed location.
The abduction of Prof. Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir is a significant blow to the region’s academic community. Dr. Sabir is widely regarded as a respected administrator and academic in Balochistan, credited with expanding access to higher education in the Makran region. His professional work has specifically focused on promoting research into Balochi literature and language.
Chinese Consulate General scholarships
It is not clear at this time whether the abduction has anything to do with distribution of Chinese Consulate General scholarships to 39 students of the Gwadar University VC. The scholarships cover four years of full tuition fees meaning the students can complete their education without financial burden.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir and Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Syed Manzoor Ahmed distributed the award letters during a ceremony held at the university seminar hall. According to a handout, university officials praised the continued support of the Chinese Consulate General, calling the initiative a symbol of strong Pakistan-China friendship and cooperation in education.
The handout added the ceremony reflected the University of Gwadar’s commitment to promoting quality and accessible higher education for the youth of Balochistan.
No group had claimed responsibility for the abduction at the time of reporting.
