The Foreign Office stated on Sunday that the government and people of Pakistan “deeply appreciate the brotherly people and government of Nigeria for their assistance in securing the safe release of Pakistani citizen, Dr Abuzar Muhammad Afzal.”
Dr. Afzal was “kidnapped and held in captivity for over 3 months,” the FO claimed in a statement.
The statement read, “Dr. Abuzar was one of many passengers taken hostage in an attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022.”
He is the only foreigner among the seven hostages freed last night and the 13 others who were released a month ago, it was added.
The Foreign Office reports that Dr. Afzal “thanked the governments of Pakistan and Nigeria, the dealmaker and his employer, and everyone who made a significant contribution to the efforts for his freedom” in a video message from Kaduna City this morning following his release.
He also thanked Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for their ongoing efforts to ensure his safety and release, according to the statement.
The FO went on to say that Pakistan “appreciates Nigeria’s political and military leadership, as well as the coordination between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the High Commissions, culminating in the release of [Dr Afzal].”
Concerning his current situation, the FO stated that Dr. Afzal “has already arrived in Abuja and has been provided with an Emergency Travel Document by the Pakistan High Commission to facilitate his journey to Pakistan later tonight.”
According to the FO, Dr. Afzal will be reunited with his family and loved ones in Multan during the joyous occasion of Eid ul Adha.
‘I am extremely relieved.’
Minister for Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Twitter that he is “highly relieved by the safe release” of the Pakistani national.
“We thank Nigeria’s leadership, government, and people for all of their assistance,” the foreign minister said.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Twitter that he is “highly relieved by the safe release” of the Pakistani national.
“We thank Nigeria’s leadership, government, and people for all of their assistance,” the foreign minister said.
“I also commend the efforts of everyone in Pakistan who worked tirelessly to ensure this outcome,” he added.
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“I also commend the efforts of everyone in Pakistan who worked tirelessly to ensure this outcome,” he added.
Highly relieved by safe release of 🇵🇰 national Abuzar M. Afzal, kidnapped in Nigeria since March! We thank leadership, government & people of Nigeria for all their help. I also commend the efforts of everyone in Pakistan who worked tirelessly to ensure this outcome.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 10, 2022
