Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor to hold talks with Pak Taliban for VC’s release

PESHAWAR - The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has fully authorised KP Governor Awais Ahmed Ghani to hold talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for safe release of Islamia College University Vice Chancellor Ajmal Khan, who is a cousin of the Awami National Party (ANP) chief, Asfandyar Wali Khan.

ANP sources revealed the KP government had sought the federal government’s help to secure release of Ajmal Khan, the Daily Times reports.

The federal government contacted the KP governor, and directed him to take steps for safe release of Ajmal Khan from the Taliban’s custody, they added.

On September 7, the Taliban had kidnapped Ajmal and his driver, Muhibullah, and claimed they had informed the government and relatives of the vice chancellor about their demands.

Some ten days back, a senior TTP commander had told reporters from an undisclosed location that the government and relatives had promised to do whatever they “can for release of Ajmal Khan”, but sought some time.

He claimed the government was in contact with them to secure the release of Ajmal Khan, and confirmed to have sent a list of their demands, including names of their prisoners in the custody of law-enforcement agencies. (ANI)