Kidnapped UK Pakistani recovered safely

MANCHESTER: British Pakistani national Shazad Khan was kidnapped while on a visit to Attock, his native town in Pakistan; he was accompanied by his family.

Shazad's house was raided by dacoits, who not only took money and jewellery with them but also kidnapped him. His kidnappers later demanded Rs05 crore ransom money for his safe release. Shazad's father Daras Khan, contacted his friend M Ilyas in UK, who then contacted Overseas Commissioner Zubair Gul.  The matter was brought to the attention of PM Nawaz Sharif and after a recovery operation led by RPO, Rawalpindi, Shahzad Khan, returned home after 16 days in captivity.

Zubair Gul visited Shazad Khan and his family in Attock. Speaking to the media, he said, "It is my responsibility to sort out the problems of overseas Pakistanis in Pakistan or anywhere in the world, and I am glad that this matter is resolved, and we did make sure that Shazad was recovered safely. I would like to thank PM Nawaz Sharif for his abrupt response in resolving the issue, and I will also make sure to resolve any pending matters, and if in the future anybody comes across anything like this, contact me this is why I am here."

Speaking to the media at his residence Daras Khan, father of Shazad, said, "I would like to thank PM Nawaz Sharif and Zubair Gul, they have helped us a lot for a safe return of my son, and I would also like to thank the British Embassy and all other relevant departments which have helped us a lot throughout this difficult time. I would also like to thank Zubair Gul for his visit at my residence in Attock after the safe recovery of my son." The Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) office bearers in Britain also held a press conference in Oldham, in which they briefed the media about the kidnapping and measures taken by Overseas Commissioner Zubair Gul.

Barrister Abid, who is a senior figure in the PML-N, said, "I would like to congratulate Shazad and his family upon his safe return home and would also like to thank PM Nawaz Sharif and Zubair Gul for helping this family, Zubair Gul’s appointment as an overseas commissioner is proving its worth as this is the best appointment so far, he has dealt the airport tragedy efficiently, and now this matter has been resolved too, and we are  hopeful that all pending matters will be resolved soon." The other attendees at the press conference  were Raja Sajjad, Ch Abdul Kareem, Qamar Bhatti and M Ilyas.