ISLAMABAD, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani police have rescued 11 passengers after an armed encounter with kidnappers in southern Sindh province, local police said Tuesday.

A total of 18 passengers were abducted in Ghotki district after around 15 assailants attacked a passenger bus late Monday night and injured the driver.

Two of the rescued passengers were injured and shifted to a nearby hospital, while the remaining freed individuals were moved to a secure location. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted passengers and to apprehend those responsible for the abduction, according to Ghotki district police. ■