Fears over Birmingham men kidnapped in Pakistan

Jan 16 2011 by Jonny Greatrex, Sunday Mercury

Taliban

THE desperate family of one of three Birmingham men feared kidnapped in Pakistan’s tribal area say they do not know if he is dead or alive.

Zahid Mohammed, in his 20s, went missing more than three weeks ago while visiting the country with friend Zafran Jamil, 34, and a third unknown man.

They were travelling through the Khyber Pass near the border of Afghanistan in the Hindu Kush mountains, when they were snatched.

Sources say the trio have been handed over to the Taliban, who are demanding a £200,000 ransom.

Zahid’s dad, Zafer Mohammed, raced to the Peshawar region two weeks ago to find out what had happened to his son.

Officials at the British Embassy in Islamabad have also launched an investigation.

Last night relatives at Zahid’s home in Small Heath, said they still did not know if he was alive.