Gunmen kidnap son of slain Pakistani governor

Gunmen kidnap son of slain Pakistani governor

2011-08-27 12:34:47 GMT+7 (ICT)

ISLAMABAD (BNO NEWS) -- Unknown gunmen on Friday kidnapped the son of a former governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, who was killed earlier this year, from the eastern city of Lahore, officials said.

According to initial reports, Sahahbaz Taseer, son of slain ex-governor Punjab Salman Taseer, was traveling with his friend when four armed men abducted them at gunpoint. Shahbaz's friend, who was later released, informed the police about the incident.

Reports say four bearded kidnappers were riding motorbikes while several others were driving in a red car. Police said that Shahbaz was traveling without his personal security guards at the time of his abduction.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has directed law enforcement agencies to take all measures for the speedy recovery of Shahbaz Taseer.

Shahbaz's father Salman Taseer was shot dead by a bodyguard as he was stepping out of his vehicle at Kohistar Market in sector F6 of the capital of Islamabad.The assassination was perpetrated for Taseer's opposition towards blasphemy laws.

Taseer was known for being moderate politician within the main ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP). He also openly expressed himself against the Taliban and other militant groups.

The shooter was identified as Qadri, a member of Taseer's own security team. He admitted perpetrating the crime and declared that he did it in retaliation for Taseer's comments towards the blasphemy law.

Taseer was appointed governor by the PPP-led coalition government in 2008. He previously served as minister for industry and production under former military ruler Pervez Musharraf from 2007 to 2008.

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