MULTAN: Two foreign nationals working for an NGO in Pakistan were kidnapped from the Qasim Bela area of Multan on Thursday, DawnNews reported.

According to security sources, the two men, one an Italian and the other a German national, were abducted while they were traveling from Kot Addu to Multan.

Both were working for a non-governmental group that helps flood victims in the region and were reportedly taken by armed men.

The Italian foreign ministry on Thursday also confirmed the abduction of the Italian citizen along with another foreigner, but did not give further details on the persons’ identities.

“(The foreign ministry) confirms the abduction today of an Italian citizen in Multan, in the south of Punjab province,” it said. “The ministry is in permanent contact with the family of the kidnapped person.” The ministry has activated its crisis unit and Minister Giulio Terzi has asked to be constantly informed of developments, the statement said.

“As already in the past in similar situations,” the ministry “will be discreet and is seeking cooperation from the media in this context so as not to compromise efforts at freeing our compatriot,” said the foreign ministry statement.