July 27, 2008	Sunday	Rajab 23, 1429

KOHAT, July 26: A brother of the Hangu district nazim has been kidnapped, along with his three companions.

Officials confirmed that Tehseenullah and the three others — Khayal Bat Khan, Qudratullah and Tariq Nawaz — were going from Bannu to Hangu but they went missing near Kohat on Thursday night.

Tehseenullah made the last contact with his family on Thursday evening, telling them by his cellphone that he was near Kohat.

No report has been registered in any of the police stations here.

Hangu Nazim Khan Afzal is reported to have been playing an active role in the government’s talks with militants for release of government employees held by them.

The Taliban on Friday freed eight employees as a “goodwill gesture” in response to government’s move to halt the military operation in Hangu.

They claimed that 19 government employees were still in their custody.