'Pak must take concrete steps for release of Afghan diplomat'

Islamabad, Oct 20 (PTI) Afghanistan has expressed serious
concern at the failure of Pakistani authorities in tracing its
Peshawar last month by gunmen who shot dead his driver.

"The Pakistan government should take concrete steps for
Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Sultan Ahmad Baheen told
reporters in Peshawar Sunday.

Baheen expressed satisfaction with the Pakistan
government's assurances but urged security agencies to take
steps for the recovery of Farahi. Afghan Foreign Minister
Rangeen Dadfar Spanta, who is due in Islamabad on Wednesday,
will discuss the matter with Pakistani officials.

"The kidnapping of Farahi will be on top of the agenda
during Spanta's visit to Islamabad. He will also discuss with
his Pakistani counterpart a joint strategy to combat terrorism
in the region," Baheen said.

Soon after Farahi's abduction on September 22, interior
ministry chief Rehman Malik had said that the diplomat had
been taken to Jamrud in the Khyber tribal region.

Baheen said the Afghan government had been discussing
Farahi's kidnapping with senior officials in Islamabad and
members of parliament to speed up efforts for his recovery.

"As far as the government's assurances are concerned, we
are satisfied but Pakistani security organisations should take
serious action for the recovery of the diplomat," he said.

The Afghan government had not been provided any
information about the whereabouts of Farahi or the group
involved in his kidnapping. A month had passed but the Afghan
government was without any clues, Baheen added. PTI RHL
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