Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Recalled Home Amid Safety Concerns Over Ambassador's Daughter Kidnapping Incident

Daughter of Afghan Ambassador Kidnapped and Assaulted by Assailants, Then Released
Pakistani Government: "Investigation Underway at the Highest Level"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Afghan government has recalled its ambassador to Pakistan for safety reasons. This decision comes following the kidnapping incident involving the ambassador's daughter, which raised concerns about her safety. Pakistani authorities have promised a swift investigation and punishment of the suspects.

According to foreign media including AFP on the 18th (local time), the Afghan government recalled its ambassador to Pakistan due to safety concerns. The Afghan government explained that this was a follow-up measure after the ambassador's daughter in her 20s was kidnapped and assaulted in Pakistan.

On the same day, the Afghan government stated in a press release, "We are recalling the ambassador and senior diplomats until the threat to their safety disappears following the kidnapping incident," and "We demand the Pakistani government promptly arrest and prosecute the kidnappers."

According to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the 16th, Silsila Alihil (26), the daughter of the Afghan ambassador to Pakistan, was kidnapped while on her way home in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. She was held for about five hours and severely assaulted before being released. Alihil is currently receiving treatment in a hospital and is reported to have multiple fractures on her body.

The specific circumstances surrounding Alihil's kidnapping and release have not been disclosed. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Alihil was attacked in her vehicle," and "Security for the Afghan ambassador's family has been strengthened." Regarding the Afghan government's recall of the ambassador, Pakistan described it as "an unfortunate and regrettable incident," expressing hope that the Afghan government would reconsider its decision, and emphasized that "the investigation into the kidnapping is being conducted at the highest level."

However, the Afghan government reportedly proceeded with the ambassador's recall, expressing doubts about the speed and commitment of the Pakistani investigation. Relations between the two countries have significantly deteriorated amid accusations that Pakistan has provided safe havens for the Taliban and sent jihadist insurgents into Afghanistan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.