Pakistani Miners Kidnapped on Commute... Remains Found After 10 Years

The excavation site of the remains of 16 miners who went missing 10 years ago
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Human remains were discovered in a remote mountainous area of Pakistan. According to the Associated Press on the 10th (local time), the Pakistan police excavated and identified the remains as those of 16 miners who were kidnapped on their way to work 10 years ago.

In December 2011, 16 miners working at a mine in the Kohat area, located 75 km south of Peshawar, were abducted by armed assailants on their way to work. It was presumed that the kidnappers targeted the miners for ransom, but they disappeared without negotiating.

Ten years later, a local resident living in a remote mountainous area discovered the burial site and reported it to the police, leading to an excavation operation.

A police official stated, "After analyzing the clothing and remains, all 16 individuals were confirmed. The remains will be handed over to the families for funeral rites," adding, "An investigation will be conducted to find the perpetrators."

Protesters demonstrating against the killing of 11 Shia miners.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, in January of this year, 11 miners were kidnapped and killed by assailants in the Machi mining area, about 50 km southeast of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan.

At that time, local and international media reported that 11 Shiite miners from Pakistan were kidnapped and killed by the extremist armed group Islamic State (IS). The miners were taken to a nearby mountain, blindfolded, and had their hands tied behind their backs before being attacked with guns and knives. Six of the miners died on the spot, and the remaining five died while being transported to the hospital.

All the victims were from the local minority group, the Shiite Hazara community, and the Sunni extremist group Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the incident.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.