Mysterious return: Militants release driver of Islamia College VC

Professor Ajmal Khan remains missing; driver Mohibullah tight-lipped.

PESHAWAR:

Militants released the driver of Islamia College Peshawar’s kidnapped vice chancellor, Professor Ajmal Khan, after two years of captivity on Saturday.

The driver, Mohibullah, who had been kidnapped on Sept 7, 2010 along with Professor Khan, mysteriously returned to his official residence located inside the university campus. Mystery, however, continues to shroud his release.

According to Rehmanullah, Mohibullah’s brother, the latter reached home safe and sound.

“He is in perfect shape and we thank God for his safe return,” Rehmanullah said. However, he declined to comment any further. “He is back and I am happy,” he said.

Talking to The Express Tribune himself, Mohibullah provided details of his ordeal. The driver said he was driving VC Ajmal to his office when they were intercepted by unknown armed men at the premises of University of Peshawar.

“They injected us (with sedatives) and covered our faces with burqas. We travelled for around 8 hours and when I woke up, I found myself in a mountainous area,” he said adding they remained there for ten days before being shifted to another location. Mohibullah said they were never kept at a single location and were moved continuously.

“I was separated from VC Khan three days ago ... we had been kept together till then,” he said, adding “I did not know they would set me free.”

Mohibullah said the abductors dropped him on Kohat road with some cash to travel home.

When approached, local police said they have been informed about Mohibullah’s safe return, but added that he remained tight-lipped.

“He is a resident of Badezai area but his family is living in quarters inside the university campus,” they explained.

Professor Ajmal Khan is a cousin of Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali Khan.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2012.