Tariq Azizuddin
Tariq Azizuddin is a citizen of Pakistan who was kidnapped by the Taliban in early 2008.[1][2]
Tariq was captured on February 11th, 2008, with his driver and bodyguards. Tariq is the brother of Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan, Tahir Azizuddin.[1]
The Taliban released a video to an Arab satellite channel on April 19th, 2008.[1]
On May 16th, 2008 Tahir announced that Tariq was safe, and had been set free.[1]
On May 18, 2008, Asia Times reported that Pakistani authorities denied that Tariq's release was the culmination of a negotiated deal.[1] The Asia Times article asserted there was a deal -- with Baitullah Mehsud. The article stated that 55 militants were released, and that a payment of 20 million Pakistani Rupees was paid. The article named Mufti Yousuf and Muslim Dost as two of released militants The article reported that Maulana Abdul Aziz was expected to be released soon. The article reported that negotiations stalled over the kidnappers demand that Mullah Obaidullah be handed over, and the the 20 million rupee payment was in lieu of his release.
The Asia Times article described the release of some of the low-level militants was tied to the release of members of Tariq's entourage.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Eric Schmitt, Tim Golden. U.S. plans $60 million Afghan prison on military base, Seattle Times, Saturday, May 17, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-05-17. “The brother of Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan says the envoy has been released, three months after he was kidnapped near the border between the two countries. Tariq Azizuddin disappeared along Feb. 11 along with his driver and bodyguard.” mirror
- ↑ Syed Saleem Shahzad. Pakistani militants savor a sweet deal, Asia Times, May 20, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-05-20.