Probe launched into Iranian diplomat’s kidnapping

Investigation into the kidnapping of Iranian Commercial Attaché has gone underway after the incident took place here on Thursday. NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti issued directives for immediate recovery of the abducted Iranian diplomat. Unknown gunmen kidnapped Commercial Attaché of Iranian Consulate, Hashmatullah Atharzadeh after killing his guard here from Hayatabad earlier today, police said. Police sources said, Atharzadeh was traveling towards his office from his home when his vehicle was intercepted by some unknown armed men who took him hostage and on resistance gunned down his guard identified as Sajjad Hussain, before fleeing from the scene. According to the Iranian Consulate, it has also received a report of Hashmatullah Atharzadeh’s kidnap. It may be mentioned here that this is a second incident of kidnapping in Hayatabad. Earlier, Afghan Consul General designate to Pakistan Abdul Khaliq Farahi was abducted from this area and nothing is still known about his whereabouts.