Abduction of tourists: Kidnappers of Czechs demand Aafia’s release

In video message, Czech women – Antonie and Hana – had pleaded for release of neuroscientist

ISLAMABAD:

The militants who kidnapped two female Czech tourists from Balochistan have called for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqi, who is currently serving an 86-year prison term in the United States.

“Two Czech women, who were kidnapped in 2013, had appeared in a video, uploaded on Facebook soon after their disappearance,” Chaghi’s Deputy Commissioner Saifullah Khan Qaisrani told the Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Monday.

In the video message, the Czech women – Antonie Chrastecka and Hana Humpalova – had pleaded for the release of neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqi, he said.

Soon after 9/11 the Pakistani-born neuroscientist was named as part of a close-knit group around Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, mastermind of the attacks. A joint investigation team (JIT), headed by the DC Chaghi, had requested intelligence agencies to locate the place from where this video was uploaded, Saifullah Khan informed the panel. “Militants did not claim ransom. It is strongly believed that the kidnappers have hidden the Czech women in Afghanistan,” said Saud Aziz, director general of the National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC).

Senator Talha Mahmood, who chaired the meeting, directed Aziz to furnish a detailed report within two weeks on the kidnapping of the foreigners. The panel also directed him to coordinate with ministry of foreign affairs, Balochistan’s chief secretary and local political agents for taking up this issue. “The ministries of interior and foreign affairs are also in contact with Czech diplomats in Islamabad on this issue,” Aziz informed the committee.

The deputy commissioner Saifullah told the panel that only 140 policemen are guarding the Chaghi city including Saindak Copper-Gold Project, where foreigners also work.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2015.