Militants free kidnapped Pakistani MPA

KABUL’s Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member Punjab Assembly, who was abducted by gunmen in May, media report said on Tuesday.

Rana Jamil Hassan has crossed over to Khyber Agency from Afghanistan late last evening, Pakistan’s The Express Tribune reported. Sources confirmed he was escorted to Peshawar by the security forces personnel. He would be taken to Islamabad.

It couldn’t be ascertained which militants’ group was behind Hassan abduction and how his release made possible under what circumstances. It quoted sources that Khan had been recovered from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and had been shifted to Landi Kotal.

Hassan was kidnapped by a group of gunmen from Punjab in May when he was heading towards his home. His kidnappers shifted him to Pakistan’s tribal belt but his wife was freed. Sources said that some influential people of the area managed to ensure his release.

The report quoting a source said: “He was released from Loy Shalman area of Landi Kotal and was handed over to forces. He is believed to have been kept across the border.”

Earlier, soon after his abduction, the kidnappers were demanding Rs. 50 million ransom for the release of the member Punjab Assembly.

PAN Monitor/rm

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