Taliban fighters have kidnapped more than 30 Pakistani boys who had mistakenly crossed the unmarked border in the country's lawless northwest into Afghanistan, officials said.
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| Thirty Pakistani Boys Made Hostages by Taliban Militants on Pak-Afghan Border |
The incident took place on Thursday after the group of boys, aged between 12 and 18-years-old, visited the area of Gharkhi in Pakistan's Bajaur tribal region for celebrations Eid al-Fitr.
"These boys inadvertently crossed into Afghanistan while picnicking on the second day of Eid and were kidnapped by militants," senior local administration official Syed Nasim told AFP.
A 'jirga' or council of tribal elders, have been sent to Afghanistan to seek their release, the official said. A TV channel in Pakistan reported that militants had arrived in five vehicles and took the children to unknown destinations.
Tribal elders also asked the local administration to step up efforts for the early release of the children. A regional TV channel in Pakistan reported that the children could be used for suicide bombings if the government and tribal elders failed to secure their release.
Tribal elders also asked the local administration to step up efforts for the early release of the children. A regional TV channel in Pakistan reported that the children could be used for suicide bombings if the government and tribal elders failed to secure their release.
The parents of the children held hostage have asked the government and the tribal elders to ensure their safe return.
Afghanistan shares a disputed 2,400km border with Pakistan, where Taliban fighters are believed to reside.
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