Prince Muhammad Khan Ahmedzai vanished from the Khuzdar-Kalat highway on Monday night. Armed men intercepted his vehicle and dragged him, along with his three bodyguards, off the road. Police confirmed the abduction Tuesday, marking a sharp escalation in violence within Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province.
The Khan of Kalat is a title steeped in history, belonging to the rulers of the former Brahui-led princely state. Suleman Khan Dawood, the current Khan, resides in the United Kingdom. His family commands deep reverence in Balochistan for their role in forging political unity and cultural identity for the region’s people.
Quetta police stated the gunmen took the prince to an unknown location. No group has claimed responsibility yet. The incident follows a string of kidnappings targeting political figures and tribal leaders in the province, a region plagued by militant insurgencies and state security failures.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the armed men. The Khan’s family, based abroad, is expected to condemn the attack. Security forces are tightening checkpoints along the Khuzdar-Kalat route as they search for leads on the kidnappers' identity and demands.