Pak columnist abducted, freed

ISLAMABAD: Days after a veiled threat from the Pakistani military’s chief spokesman that the media and activists should stay within limits in their criticism of the armed forces, two journalists became the targets of the powerful intelligence agencies.

Columnist Gul Bukhari, who writes for The Nation newspaper and is known for her criticism of the military establishment, was allegedly abducted by unidentified men in Lahore late on Tuesday night while she was being driven to a television studio.

She returned home several hours later. Journalist Munizae Jahangir, quoting Bukhari’s family members, confirmed she had come back home safe and sound.

The unidentified men intercepted Bukhari’s vehicle near Sherpao Bridge in the Cantonment area and took her away to an undisclosed location. Bukhari was told by her captors that her social media accounts were being investigated, according to reports in the Pakistani media.

Also on Tuesday, Asad Kharal, a pro-establishment journalist, was reportedly attacked and injured by masked men near Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.

Kharal, who hosts a show on a local news channel, was attacked as soon as he left the airport for his home. Some unidentified men intercepted his car, pulled him from the vehicle and assaulted him. He was taken to the Lahore Services Hospital for medical aid.

Bukhari has dual British and Pakistani citizenship, and the British high commission in Islamabad expressed concern.