Pakistan urges Afghanistan to help free youths

Islamabad: Pakistan`s interior minister has
called on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to help win the
freedom of around 30 young Pakistanis being held captive by
Islamist militants.

The youth were abducted in Afghanistan four days ago after
crossing into Kunar province on day-trip from their border
villages.

The Pakistani Taliban say it abducted them because they
belong to a tribe opposed to the militants.

In comments to reporters, Minister Rehman Malik requested
Karzai get the boys released.

Afghan officials have said they are not aware of the
kidnapping.

Pakistani officials have said the captives were under 16;
the Taliban say they have released the youngsters, and are
only holding young men.

PTI