This archive report was first published on 18 July 2021.
On July 16, 2021, a shocking incident occurred in Islamabad, Pakistan, where the daughter of Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan, Najibullah Alikhail, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
According to the Afghanistan Foreign Ministry, the ambassador's daughter was abducted for several hours and severely tortured on her way home. She was later released and is currently receiving medical care at a hospital.
The Afghan government has condemned the incident and demanded an explanation from the Pakistani government. They have also asked Pakistan to identify and prosecute the perpetrators as soon as possible.
The Afghan Foreign Ministry stated, 'On July 16, 2021, daughter of Afghan ambassador to Islamabad, Silsila Alikhil, was abducted for several hrs & severely tortured by unknown individuals on her way home. After being released from kidnappers' captivity, she's in medical care at a hospital.'
Prime Minister Imran Khan was criticized for his response to the incident, with some accusing him of being too soft on the perpetrators. Khan blamed the US and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani for the situation in Afghanistan, rather than taking responsibility for the safety of Afghan diplomats in Pakistan.
Senior Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir expressed his shock and disappointment at the incident, saying, 'It’s very unfortunate that daughter of Afghan Ambassador in Pakistan was kidnapped from the capital Islamabad, tortured and then thrown back.'
Journalist Mohsin Dawar also condemned the incident, calling for immediate action from the Pakistani government. Dawar stated, 'Shocked to know that the daughter of Afghan Ambassador Najibullah Alikhel was kidnapped & tortured. This is an extremely shameful & disgraceful act that demands immediate punishment.'
