RAWALPINDI: Three customs officials were kidnapped by armed smugglers after an exchange of fire on Motorway.

The smugglers managed to get their accomplice freed .

The suspected smugglers appeared in vehicles on wrong side of the Motorway and blocked the customs staff who were taking a container of seized goods towards Islamabad warehouse.

They kidnapped deputy superintendent of customs Chauhdry Iftikhar and two of his subordinates Iqbal Ahmed and Mumtaz Abbasi.

Hundreds of commuters travelling on motorway were stuck in traffic as long queues of vehicles could be seen on either sides of the Motorway and G.T. Road.

“After taking the three customs officials hostage, the kidnappers telephoned the seniors of customs and demanded release of their goods,” a customs official said.

When contacted the collector customs Imtiaz Ahmed confirmed the incident.

He added that soon after the customs staff was attacked, the police help was sought.