QUETTA: A tribal leader and member of Duki municipal committee could not be traced despite the passage of 48 hours since his reported abduction, officials said.

They added that the tribal elder, Hafiz Allahdad, was intercepted by armed men, who had blocked traffic on the highway on the outskirts of Duki and was taken away along with his car. Soon after receiving the information, Levies and larger numbers oftribesmen rushed to the site and attempted to chase the kidnappers.

Sources said a heavy exchange of fire also took place between the kidnappers and the tribesmen. When the guns fell silent, the car of Hafiz Allahdad and two motorcycles were found in the Jhalar area, which were later impounded, but the kidnappers managed to take away the municipal committee member with them.

Security forces along with tribesmen cordoned off the area and intensified efforts for safe recovery of the tribal elder.