– File Photo by AP

PESHAWAR: Taliban militants Thursday released a video of a kidnapped professor in which he appeals to the government to accept the rebels’ demands to secure his release, DawnNews reported.

Professor Ajmal Khan, a locally-renowned academic and a close ally of the ruling Awami National Party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, was kidnapped on September 7, 2011.

He said that he had served the government in past in various capacities; first he was Vice chancellor of Kohat University then he was made and Vice-chancellor of Islamia University which is equivalent to the post of Chief Secretary of the province.

He complained the government he has been captivated by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for about 18 months but he has not been aided by the officials to get him released.

He said that TTP has demanded the release of four Pakistani Taliban prisoners in the bargain of his release but government has refused the offer.

He demanded the government to take imperative steps to make his release possible.

Security officials said Taliban insurgents have been using kidnapping as ransom tool, and to bargain for the release of their militants being held by Pakistan authorities.

Opinion

Accessing the RSF

Accessing the RSF

RSF can help catalyse private sector inves­tment encouraging investment flows, build upon institutional partnerships with MDBs, other financial institutions.

Editorial

Madressah oversight
Updated 19 Dec, 2024

Madressah oversight

Bill should be reconsidered and Directorate General of Religious Education, formed to oversee seminaries, should not be rolled back.
Kurram’s misery
Updated 19 Dec, 2024

Kurram’s misery

The state must recognise that allowing such hardship to continue undermines its basic duty to protect citizens’ well-being.
Hiking gas rates
19 Dec, 2024

Hiking gas rates

IMPLEMENTATION of a new Ogra recommendation to increase the gas prices by an average 8.7pc or Rs142.45 per mmBtu in...
Geopolitical games
Updated 18 Dec, 2024

Geopolitical games

While Assad may be gone — and not many are mourning the end of his brutal rule — Syria’s future does not look promising.
Polio’s toll
18 Dec, 2024

Polio’s toll

MONDAY’s attacks on polio workers in Karak and Bannu that martyred Constable Irfanullah and wounded two ...
Development expenditure
18 Dec, 2024

Development expenditure

PAKISTAN’S infrastructure development woes are wide and deep. The country must annually spend at least 10pc of its...