Afghan ambassador’s daughter kidnapped, tortured in Pakistan

The Afghan Foreign Ministry said the ambassador's daughter, Silsila Alikhil, was kidnapped on Friday evening while in her rented vehicle in Islamabad. She was tortured for several hours, and eventually released.

The Islamabad police has launched an investigation but no suspects have been arrested so far.

The Afghan ministry said it was in contact with the ambassador and his family and was extending full support in the matter.

According to a hospital medical report, Silsila suffered blows to her head, had rope marks on her wrists and legs and was badly beaten.

There is also suspicion that she had several broken bones, according to Afghan officials.

Security forces to use 'all resources' in hunt for suspects

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the interior ministry to "utilize all resources to apprehend the persons involved" in the kidnapping.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed to utilise all resources to apprehend the persons involved in the kidnapping of the daughter of Afghan Ambassador in Islamabad.1/3

— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) July 17, 2021

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that the police and other law enforcement agencies have been asked to apprehend the culprits within 48 hours.

The Pakistan government said security at the residence of the Afghan ambassador in Islamabad has been reinforced.

Prime Minister has further directed the Interior Minister that Islamabad Police and other law enforcement agencies must investigate the incident on TOP PRIORITY, bring up the truth of the matter and apprehend the culprits within 48 hours.2/3

— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) July 17, 2021

While the Afghan foreign ministry condemned the "heinous act” and expressed concern for Afghan diplomats and their families in Pakistan.

Accordingly, all efforts are being made to thoroughly investigate the matter and apprehend the persons involved in the incident. Islamabad Police is constantly in touch with the girl and family of the Afghan Ambassador.3/3

— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) July 17, 2021

The incident comes amid tensions between the two neighboring countries with Afghanistan claiming Pakistan is sending thousands of jihadi militants over the border and providing safe haven for the Taliban.

Pakistan in turn accuses Kabul of harboring anti-Pakistani groups.

Strongly condemn this abduction on many levels. Still seeking facts.Either way the Afghanistan Ambassador’s daughter is a young woman,and should not face ANY obstacle in walking about in central Islamabad,plus more importantly,she is entitled to diplomatic protection in Pakistan https://t.co/eAvABDrPgk

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) July 17, 2021

A leading female senator in Pakistan, Sherry Rahman, condemned Friday's attack. She tweeted that "the Afghanistan Ambassador's daughter is a young woman, and should not face ANY obstacle in walking about in central Islamabad".