Islamabad, 17 July, 2021 (TDI): Daughter of Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Alikhil’s daughter Silsila was abducted by unknown individuals on Friday while she was on her way home. She was severely tortured for hours. She has been released by the abductors and is currently under medical care, the ministry said. The Afghan foreign ministry in a statement has said that the Ministry condemns this “heinous act ” and expresses deep concern over the safety and security of the Afghan diplomats in Islamabad.
Today Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Ambassador of Pakistan to Afghanistan regarding the incident and lodged a strong protest over the abduction of the young daughter of the Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan.
In this developing story, Minister of Interior Sheik Rashid has said in a statement that the perpetrators will be brought to book. The security has been beef up for the Afghan diplomatic staff and Ambassador.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmad Khan said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed to utilize all resources to apprehend the persons involved in the kidnapping of the daughter of the Afghan Ambassador in Islamabad. He added further that all efforts are being made to thoroughly investigate the matter and apprehend the persons involved in the incident. Islamabad Police is constantly in touch with the Afghan Ambassador. He has shared in his statement that Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the Interior Minister that Islamabad Police and other law enforcement agencies must investigate the incident on TOP PRIORITY, bring up the truth of the matter and apprehend the culprits within 48 hours.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said in the statement that such incidents cannot and will not be tolerated. Law enforcement departments are working to trace and apprehend the culprits to be brought to justice. Safety and security of diplomats and their families, is of paramount importance.
The abduction happened at a time when Pakistan and Afghanistan are facing the towering challenges of regional peace and security after the US Forces’ withdrawal. Taliban have recently captured a crucial border crossing with Pakistan. There was a tough war of words ongoing between Prime Minister Imran Khana and President Ashraf Ghani in a recent conference on “Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities” held in Tashkent. President Ashraf Ghani said that Pakistan is playing a ‘negative role” in Afghanistan while Prime Minister Imran Khan refuted his allegations saying that Pakistan has suffered due to the War on Terror where 70,000 precious lives have been lost. He said that Pakistan cannot convince the Taliban for talks as they are not willing to compromise as they smell victory after the US forces withdrawal.
*This is an evolving story, and we will add more information further when there is an update.
