Two terrorists were also killed during the incident.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations, a group of terrorists had abducted Lt Col Laiq Baig Mirza and his cousin Umer Javed near Warchoom, Ziarat, as they were returning after a paying a visit to the Quaid's residency.

"After receiving the information, Army Quick Reaction Forces were immediately despatched to chase fleeing terrorists who were traced moving to their hideouts in general area Mangi Dam," the military's media wing was quoted as saying by Dawn News.

A search operation was launched by security forces using SSG troops and helicopters to locate the abductees and the terrorists.

"Resultantly, on the night between July 13 and July 14, a group of six to eight terrorists was spotted moving in a nullah in nearby mountains by one of the teams of security forces. On sensing their possible encirclement, terrorists shot Lt. Col. Mirza and attempted to flee," the statement added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the death of Lt Col Mirza.