Chowrangi

On February 10, 2008, Sardar Tariq Azizuddin, Pakistan’s ambassadors to Afghanistan, was kidnapped in the Khyber tribal agency close to the Afghan border. He was crossing the border along with his driver and bodyguard when contact was lost with him at around 1045 local time (0645 GMT).

According to security officials, Tariq Azizuddin, his bodyguard and the driver were apparently kidnapped near the Ali Masjid area in Jamrud.

The Peshawar-Torkham Highway serves as the main trade route with Afghanistan and remains busy throughout the day. It is also one of the most well-protected roads and the Khasadars are posted about every hundred metres. It also passes through the famous Khyber Pass that also houses the Shagai Fort, home to the Khyber Rifles of the Frontier Corps. The route is frequently used by the United States and Nato to provide supplies to their forces in Afghanistan.

There is no known militant group operating in the area. A group led by Mangal Bagh, who is claiming to carry out a mission of weeding out ‘social vices’ from the area has no affiliation with Jihadi outfits.

As it happened very close to ballot time and media was busy in covering Elections 2008, judiciary crisis and other “important” issues, Tariq Azizuddin’s abduction went largely uncommented. After new government took oath, Minister of Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi issued a routine statement that government will soon find the lost ambassador.

However, Mr. Azizuddin came into limelight again when a tape was released by Al-Arabiya News Channel on April 19, 2008. A visibly shaken and tired Azizuddin told the camera that he is suffering from health problems such as high blood pressure and heart pains.

Two men who appeared to be the other hostages sat next to Azizuddin, while three gunmen stood in the background.

Azizuddin called upon government of Pakistan and Pakistan’s envoys in Iran and China to “ do all they can to protect our lives and to answer all the demands of the Mujahedeen of Taliban in order to secure our release.”

Shortly after the video was released, a statement came from Taliban, demanding release of 10 of their leaders as well as ransom money of 500 Million Rupees. The list of names included Maulana Abdul Aziz of Lal Masjid, Maulana Sufi Mohammad of Tehreek Nifaz-e-Shariaat-e-Mohammadi and Qari Saifullah (suspect in Benazir Bhutto assassination).

Pakistani Taliban outrightly refused that Tariq Azizuddin is in their custody so now Talibans across the border are suspected. However, its not clear why they want release of Maulana Abdul Aziz and Sufi Mohammad especially when Maulana Sufi Mohammad was detained since last 7 years and ANP leader Asfandyar Wali stated on record about intentions of his government to release Sufi Mohammad (which was done yesterday).

For now this seems as a ploy to sabotage the peace process in Tribal Areas. In any case, it is prime responsibility of government of Pakistan to rescue its ambassador as soon as possible.

Other posts by Kashif Aziz

• Two Supreme Courts to resolve Judiciary Restoration debacle? - May 10th, 2008
• Shazia Marri for forgetting May 12 - May 10th, 2008
• Pakistan for Sale? - May 7th, 2008
• Cyclone Nargis claimed 22,000 in Myanmar - May 7th, 2008
• In Pakistan Laws are made for the weak - April 29th, 2008
• KESC bent on Killing Karachities - April 28th, 2008
• Are the Ministers using 1600cc cars? - April 25th, 2008
• Nawaz Sharif got his Mercedes back - April 25th, 2008
• Website of Pakistan Embassy in Afghanistan - April 22nd, 2008
• Makhdoom Altaf Abbasi Advocate: Can somebody tell what was his fault? - April 11th, 2008

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