Kidnappers set free Ghaziabad district chief

ASADABAD (PAN): The Ghaziabad district chief, Musafir Qayumzai, has been released by his captors a day after he was seized along with his son and two bodyguards in eastern Kunar province, the governor said on Sunday.

Syed Fazlullah Wahidi told Pajhwok Afghan News that all the abductees, including Qayumzai, were released as a result efforts by tribal elders and High Peace Council members.

Qayumzai has returned to his job in the district centre, the governor said.

Qayomzai was kidnapped from Dab Broro area of Asmar district around 10:00am by suspected Taliban members on his way to Ghaziabad district centre.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said they had information about the abduction, but he provided no details.

Abduction of government officials and local elders has increased in Kunar, where last year, the administrative heads of Narang and Marawara districts were kidnapped by militants, who later freed the Narang district chief, but killed the Marawara district chief.

In recent months, 27 people have been kidnapped in separate incidents, including the manager of the provincial vocational training centre and 18 tribal elders. The victims have since been released. 

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