TANK: The kidnappers have released video messages of assistant commissioner of Federal Board of Revenue and tehsildar (revenue officer) of South Waziristan tribal district who were abducted from Tank about two months ago.

In their separate video messages, the officials said that their health conditions were deteriorating day by day.

They appealed to the government and deputy commissioner, Tank, to take steps for their safe release.

Sources said that proscribed TTP had claimed responsibility for kidnapping the officials and their close relatives. Riaz Miani was working as AC FBR in Islamabad while tehsildar Gul Daraz was serving in Ladha, South Waziristan district.

A man armed holding AK-47 assault rifle and his face covered is seen standing behind the captives. “Our health conditions are deteriorating and the government should take measures for our recovery,” said one of the captives in the video message.

AC Riaz Miani was kidnapped from his residence in Tank on April 24. He had come to his town to attend funeral of his mother.

Gul Daraz was kidnapped from Kotkai area of South Waziristan and taken to an unknown location.

An official said that the captives might be kept in hilly areas of Tank or adjacent tribal district.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2019