Afghan woman MP released after three weeks in Taliban captivity

AfghanistanAfghan woman MP released after three weeks in Taliban captivity

KABUL:  A female Afghan parliamentarian held captive by Taliban for three weeks has been released in a prisoner exchange, Taliban and government officials said on Saturday.

Fariba Ahmadi Kakar, a member of the Afghan lower house, was kidnapped on Aug. 13 when travelling by car through the restive eastern province of Ghazni.

   

She was the second female parliamentarian to be attacked in Ghazni in less than a week, and her abduction highlighted concerns about a recent spate of often deadly assaults on women working in state institutions.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said Kakar had been exchanged for four female and two child relatives of Taliban officials held by the government.

“Today, the Islamic Emirate handed (Kakar) back over to her relatives via a prisoner exchange,” Mujahid said, referring to the name the Taliban used during their 1996-2001 rule in Afghanistan.

A Kakar family member, who declined to be named, also confirmed that the MP had been released.

Restoring women’s right has been a cornerstone of the Western-backed government of President Hamid Karzai, but the recent spate of attacks is fuelling concern that such rights are eroding as international forces prepare to withdraw next year. Reuters

Must read

Recent News

President stresses need to further strengthen Pak-UK trade & economic ties

0
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan and the United Kingdom enjoy cordial relations, rooted in history and shared legacy, which...

President Zardari for developing Pakistan’s Gems and Jewellery Sector

0
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for focusing on the development of the Gems and Jewellery Sector of the Country, saying that...

PM Shahbaz Sharif visits Naval Headquarters

0
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif along with the Federal Ministers visited the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.Upon arrival, the prime minister was welcomed...

Envoy Albert Khorev proposes export of Halal meat from Pakistan to Russia

0
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev engaged in discussions with the Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, aiming to enhance...

Interbank Dollar Rate Today in Pakistan – 28 March 2024

0
Interbank Exchange Rates in Pakistan The Interbank Closing Exchange Rate in Pakistan has been issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for March 28,...
Advertisement