Pakistani Embassy Worker Kidnapped in Iraq

A Pakistani diplomat has been taken hostage in Iraq. The victim's name is Malik Mohammad Javed. Apparently, Mr. Javed is being held ransom for money.

See what happens when you start paying ransom? The majority of hostages being held in Iraq now are being held for money rather than as pawns used for political demands. WaPo:

A kidnapped employee of the Pakistani embassy in Iraq is safe and is probably being held for ransom, a Pakistani government spokesman said on Monday.

Malik Mohammad Javed, a Pakistani assistant at the embassy who does not have diplomatic status, went missing in Baghdad on Saturday.

A man telephoned the Pakistani embassy in Baghdad on Sunday claiming to represent a group called Omar bin Khattab and said it was holding the man.

Jilani said Pakistan was in touch with the Iraqi government and the Iraqi Islamic Party, which draws its support from Iraq's minority Sunnis, over the case.

"They have also offered, assured us, of their complete cooperation for the secure release of Malik Mohammad Javed," he said.

Jilani declined to say if the previously unknown group holding Malik had made any demands, or if Pakistan would consider paying for his release, but he said the motive appeared to be financial, not political.

I'm glad the Sunni groups have agreed to help secure Mr. Malik's release. I wonder if they are being equally helpful in securing the release of Roy Hallums or the other Americans being held hostage in Iraq?

Others: Chad at In the Bullpen

Posted by: Rusty at 11:25 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 262 words, total size 2 kb.