Kidnap ordeal ended

SHEHZAD KHAN

AN OLDHAM man, kidnapped at his family home in Pakistan, has returned safely to the UK.

The Chronicle reported on April 21 how Shehzad Khan (32) of Thorney Hill Close, Glodwick, was with his family when the place was raided by burglars at around 3am local time on April 20.

Shehzad, a chef for KFC, had travelled to the village of Sirka in Attock, which borders the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, last month to visit his wife and parents when the incident happened.

The burglars took jewellery and Shehzad with them. No-one else was injured.

According to Pakistani media, Shehzad's kidnappers demanded Rs50million - almost £400,000 - ransom for his safe release.

Mr Khan's father Daras Khan contacted a friend who was then put in touch with Pakistani Overseas Commissioner Zubair Gul. The matter was brought to the attention of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and after a recovery operation in the Mardan area, Shehzad was returned to his Pakistani home on Friday May 5, after 16 days in captivity.

Shehzad was able to return to Oldham last weekend, where well-wishers were present to welcome him home.

He told Pakistani media: "Thanks to God's grace I have reached home safely, and thanks to Mr Gul and his team who helped in my safe return. I was in captivity for 15 days and most of the time they put a blindfold on me so I couldn't see what was going on."

A UK Foreign Office spokesman confirmed Mr Khan was kidnapped and that they were providing assistance to him.