ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Pakistan Helicopter Crash Hostages in ‘Safe Hands’: Afghan Taliban

The Taliban commander said that the seven hostages were being fed and looked after.

Published
World
1 min read
story-hero-img
i
Aa
Aa
Small
Aa
Medium
Aa
Large
Hindi Female

Pakistan’s prime minister said on Friday that his government is using “formal and informal channels” to seek the return of seven passengers of a crashed helicopter Pakistani helicopter who were captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

A Taliban commander claimed the seven were “in safe hands” with the insurgents.

The Pakistani government helicopter, en route to Russia for a routine overhaul, crash-landed in the Taliban-held Logar province in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday.

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Pakistan’s Army chief, General Raheel Sharif, called Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Friday to request his country’s help.

On Friday, a senior Afghan Taliban commander, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the passengers – six Pakistanis and a Russian technician – were in their custody and that negotiations for their release were ongoing.

They are being looked after, being provided tea, food, everything. We are in touch with the Pakistani officials. We conveyed to them that they are in safe hands.
Afghan Taliban Commander

He added that it was no use seeking help from the Afghan government or US military, because the Taliban are in full control of the district.

The Pakistani government and military did not directly confirm direct talks with the Taliban, but officials said they were doing everything possible.

Pakistan’s Army chief had previously contacted top US commander in Afghanistan General John Nicholson asking for his international military coalition’s help in recovering the men, Bajwa said on Thursday.

(With inputs from Reuters)

0

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from news and world

Speaking truth to power requires allies like you.
Become a Member
3 months
12 months
12 months
Check Member Benefits
Read More
×
×