Caught in the act: 'Militants' caught trying to abduct ANP leader

KARACHI: Two suspected militants were caught and later handed over to the police for trying to abduct the local leader of the Awami National Party (ANP) in Orangi Town on Saturday.

Nearly 20 suspects on two hi-roof vans and at least four motorcycles tried to kidnap ANP's Syed Badshah Afridi at Toori Bangash Colony within the limits of Iqbal Market police station. The kidnapping bid was, however, foiled as Afridi's brother immediately called the police.

Afridi, who is also the former president of ANP's PS-94 and a transporter by profession, claimed that two of the suspects were caught and handed over to the police while the remaining ones managed to escape. He was receiving threats by militants since November last year, he said. "The men were threatening me to leave the ANP or give them 'donation' money," Afridi claimed. "They warned me that if I do not follow their instructions, they will kill me."

The ANP spokesperson said Afridi was fortunate to escape the kidnapping bid but reminded that a large number of party workers have been targeted in the past three years, particularly in district West. He demanded the police protect the party leaders to secure their lives.

Orangi Town SP Ali Asif said that the no case has been registered as the complainants have yet to approach the police.