Charsadda hostage situation: Abducted traders in Afghanistan

CHARSADDA: At least nine mustard oil traders who were abducted from a wide expanse of areas in Charsadda district are currently being held across the border in Afghanistan. The kidnappers have accused their captives of spying. They have already hanged one of the traders. At the same time, they have released an elderly trader on health grounds. The kidnappers are demanding a huge amount in ransom for the return of the remaining seven men. Farmanullah, whose two sons are amongst the abducted traders, told reporters on Friday that Lehaz Gul had been released by the kidnappers because of his old age. The released hostage confirmed that all of them had been picked up at gunpoint and shifted to Afghanistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2015.