Kidnappers ‘torture’ daughter of Afghan envoy to Pakistan

The daughter of Afghanistan’s ambassador to Pakistan was kidnapped and “severely tortured” by unidentified assailants, officials at Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry said.

Silsila Alikhil, 26, was abducted on her way to Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, on Friday.

“After being released from the kidnappers’ captivity, Ms Alikhil is under medical care at the hospital,” officials said.

The ministry called for an investigation and protection for Afghan diplomats.

A report on Saturday said she was treated for swelling on the brain and rope burns to her wrists and ankles.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have a frosty relationship.

Kabul accuses Pakistan of allowing safe havens for Taliban insurgents, while Islamabad accuses Kabul of allowing militants to use its territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan. Both deny these charges.

A medical examination report confirmed by the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences state hospital where Ms Alikhil was treated said she was held for more than five hours and noted swelling in the rear of her brain.

Afghan authorities summoned Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul to lodge a formal complaint.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the Afghan embassy had informed it that Ms Alikhil was assaulted while travelling in a rented vehicle.

Security for the ambassador and his family was tightened.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan wanted the matter treated as a top priority and the culprits caught within 48 hours, the Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said.