PESHAWAR:
The family members of kidnapped Gomal Zam Dam workers have asked the provincial and federal government to unite and secure the release of their loved ones.
They said that if the government can stand together against the attackers of Malala Yousafzai, then they should also help release the eight workers from custody. The labourers went missing on August 16 while returning home for Eidul Fitr.
While the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have set a December 3 deadline to meet their demands of paying Rs150 million in ransom, the family members have also set a November 29 deadline. They have threatened self-immolation if the government fails.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Rahim Shah, father of Zeeshan who is among those kidnapped, said that the family has not had any contact with him since he called before Eidul Fitr in August.
“All family members are poor and cannot afford the ransom money being demanded by the Taliban,” Shah said. He added that they might approach leaders of some Islamic countries for help if the Government of Pakistan fails.
In addition to the provincial and federal government, Shah also appealed to several political parties to assist in the matter.
Ali Marjan from Karak district said numerous jirgas held failed to produce any results and appealed to the Taliban to release the workers on humanitarian grounds.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 28th, 2012.
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