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 19 July 2008 15:40 BST

Taliban holding Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan captive

Saturday, 19 Apr 2008 14:27
Mr Azizuddin was captured in the Khyber region of the country
Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan, Tariq Azizuddin, has been kidnapped by the Taliban, it has been confirmed.

Mr Azizuddin, along with his driver and bodyguard, has been missing since February 11th when he disappeared while on a trip between Peshawar in Pakistan and the Afghan capital Kabul.

A video shown by Arab-based network al-Arabiya today has shown Mr Azizuddin for the first time since his abduction.

In the video Mr Azizuddin appears to be in good health but is surrounded by unknown gunmen while he is being filmed.

The captive said: "We were on our way to Afghanistan in our official car on February 11th when we were kidnapped in the region of Khyber by the Mujahedeen of the Taliban.

"We have no problems. But I suffer health problems, like blood pressure and heart pain."

Mr Azizuddin explained that he had been kidnapped by the Taliban and would be freed by his captors in exchange for the release other Taliban fighters who had been arrested in Pakistan.

He then sent a message to Pakistan's foreign ministry undersecretary, its envoys to China and Iran, and his brother to "do what they can to keep us alive and fulfil all the Taliban's demands as soon as possible so we can be released and return home".

The border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been area of increased tension between the Taliban and Pakistani security forces since 2003.End of story


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