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| India-Pakistan |
| 'Missing Pakistan envoy not in Khyber Agency' |
| 2008-02-16 |
| Pakistan’s envoy to Afghanistan, who went missing in the Khyber Agency four days ago while on his way to Kabul, is not in Khyber Agency, a radical leader has claimed. Lashkar-e-Islami chief Mangal Bagh, who wields considerable influence in the agency, said Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin was not in the tribal region. He said it would be “unjust” of the government to conduct any military operation in the agency to locate him. He also told Dawn News channel that Azizuddin had not been kidnapped from the agency, contrary to media reports. Security forces on Thursday launched a crackdown against tribesmen in the Khyber Agency after they failed to trace Azizuddin, who was reportedly kidnapped from the region on Monday. NWFP Governor Owais Ghani said Azizuddin was in the Khyber Agency, as authorities had found “important clues” there. Political authorities said the search was currently focused on the Peera Valley and Zakakhel areas. As part of the crackdown, security forces have arrested 12 tribesmen. Ten Khasadar militia manning a checkpost passed by Azizuddin’s car have also been detained on charges of negligence. |
| Posted by:Fred |