Kidnapped journalist released
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 4 October 2013
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Lal Wazir, a journalist, was released by gunmen a day after his abduction. His family confirmed his safe return, while authorities are probing the incident.Summary
MIRANSHAH: Gunmen released a journalist Friday a day after he was kidnapped in one of tribal areas on the Afghan border, a relative said.
"Armed men released Lal Wazir and dropped him near Azam Warsak Bazaar today," his uncle Ibrahim Wazir told AFP.
Lal Wazir, 38, who works for a local newspaper in the South Waziristan town of Azam Warsak, was taken from a shop by six masked gunmen on Thursday.
"Lal is currently unable to speak to anybody but he arrived back home in safety," his uncle added.
A local official confirmed the release. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
The tribal areas are a haven for Islamist militants including the Taliban.
According to the press campaign group Reporters without Borders, Pakistan was the third deadliest country for journalists last year, behind Syria and Somalia. - AFP
KEY POINTS:
- Lal Wazir was kidnapped by masked gunmen in South Waziristan.
- He was released near Azam Warsak Bazaar after one day.
- His family reported he is currently unable to speak.
- The area is known for Islamist militant activity.
- Pakistan is ranked third deadliest for journalists in 2022.
