Senior Pakistani Judge Released After Kidnapping by Militants

Judge Shakirullah Marwat was freed unconditionally after being held hostage for two days by militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Judge Shakirullah Marwat was kidnapped on April 27 near Dera Ismail Khan, close to the Afghan border, by armed militants.
The judge was released unconditionally and returned home safely, with no details on whether a ransom or prisoner exchange occurred.
Local tribal elders reportedly played a role in negotiating the judge's release, though the exact terms remain unclear.
Following the incident, Pakistani military conducted an operation in an adjoining district, killing four suspected militants.
The kidnapping highlights ongoing security challenges in Pakistan's northwest, where the Pakistani Taliban has increased attacks.