PESHAWAR, Jan 25: NWFP Chief Secretary Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi has directed the law-enforcement agencies to expedite their efforts for the recovery of kidnapped journalist Suhail Qalandar.

Speaking at a meeting here on Thursday, Mr Qureshi said it was a matter of concern that Mr Qalandar had not been recovered despite the arrest of some suspects.

Other cases of kidnapping also came under discussion during the meeting, said a handout.

The chief secretary called for a coordinated action by police, political agents and intelligence agencies to recover the journalist.

The meeting also took stock of the activities of religious extremists in the Frontier Regions and decide to strengthen the law-enforcement measures.

The chief secretary asked the police and Fata administration to make it clear to the officials concerned that no laxity would be tolerated in the protection of life and property of the people.

The NWFP police chief, home secretary, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas law and order secretary, the deputy inspector-general of special branch, the Peshawar police chief and the local Intelligence Bureau chief attended the meeting.

Online adds: A protest march was held by the Bajaur Agency Tribal Union of Journalists and Press Club against the kidnapping. The protesters marched from the press club to he Khar Rasool Colony, where a public meeting was held.

A large number of political, religious and tribal leaders attended the meeting.

The speakers demanded immediate recovery of Mr Qalandar and end to violence against journalists.