Two diplomats based in the Consulate General of Pakistan in Jalalabad, an eastern Afghan city, went missing June 16 while traveling to Pakistan by road, the Foreign Office (FO) confirmed Sunday.

A press release from FO Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria's office said Islamabad is in constant contact with Afghan authorities, and the matter of the diplomats' safety and recovery at the earliest has been raised with the relevant officials.

"Pakistan has requested the Afghan government that all efforts may be made to ensure early recovery of our officials and bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice," the FO statement said.

The FO added that Afghanistan is cooperating in the efforts to "probe the incident" and recover the two diplomats.

"Three distinct investigating groups have been constituted to ensure the safe recovery of the officials," the statement added.

The FO did not speculate who may be behind the disappearances, but various Afghan militant groups have targeted diplomats in the past.

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...