Muhammad Taimoor – Islamabad March 18, 2009
A video has been released by the abductors of the editor of the influential website Jihad Unspun. Khadija Qahhar’s abductors have demanded two million dollars in return for her release. It was the first news of her
since she disappeared from Pakistani tribal area near the city of Bannu, an area which even Pakistanis avoid travelling through.
The video was shown on a Pakistani TV channel and Khadija Qahhar said that she was sick and wanted to return to her home in Canada. She stressed moreover that her abductors were serious with their threats and that they would kill her if the ransom were not received by the 30th March 2009.
The report also said that there was a letter from the kidnappers along with a CD, which reiterated that Khadija would be killed if the ransom were not paid by 30th March.
Although Khadija seemed reasonably well and said her kidnappers were not maltreating her, she seemed in a hurry, as if she wanted to say many things in very little time.
Who her abductors are remains open to question, however. For although Pakistan is in much turmoil at present, there are few who would benefit politically from her abduction.
Leading some to speculate that common criminals carried out Khadija Qahhar’s kidnapping. For her abductors seem motivated by mercenary gain rather political aims.
Nonetheless that doesn’t rule out the possibility that western Intelligence, who would most certainly benefit from her kidnapping, employed common Pakistani criminals to do their dirty work.
Last updated 21/03/2009
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