April 20, 2008	Sunday	Rabi-us-Sani 13, 1429

ISLAMABAD, April 19: The government on Saturday claimed that the missing Pakistani envoy to Kabul Tariq Azizuddin was safe and efforts were being made for his early recovery.

“According to authentic information Azizuddin, his driver and guard are safe and sound so far,” an Interior Ministry spokesman said.

He said Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani had directed all relevant authorities to redouble efforts for recovery of the ambassador and the other two men.

Some developments had taken place since early March (when the videotape was made) as a result of concerted efforts by the government to secure the safe release of the envoy, his driver and guard, the government claimed. “Efforts are continuing to bring the sad happening to a satisfactory end,” said the spokesman.