PFUJ seeks recovery of kidnapped French journalists

PFUJ seeks recovery of kidnapped French journalists

	ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed concern over continuous detention of two French journalists abducted by Taliban militants in Afghanistan late last year and demanded their immediate release. The PFUJ urged all forces that could play a role for the peaceful release of the kidnapped journalists to come forward at this critical juncture and contribute to their recovery. According to reports reaching the PFUJ secretariat, the kidnapped journalists are alive and in good health. The reporters were kidnapped with three Afghan assistants in Kapisa province north-east of Kabul earlier this week, officials said. A spokesman for the journalists' employer, French TV Channel FR3, said they were in good condition. "The two are alive, in good health and are being well treated," said the source. There was no word, however, on the condition of the three Afghan journalists who were ambushed by suspected Taliban militants as they drove through the war-torn region between Surobi and Tagab. Italian news agency Ansa quoted a spokesman for the local Afghan governor as saying the group had been taken to a remote Taliban stronghold. The spokesman named as Alim Ayar told Ansa that efforts were under way to secure the release of the hostages with the help of tribal elders. The Taliban and other insurgent groups operate in Kapisa province. French troops are also stationed there as part of the Nato-led force.- PFUJ/Journalism Pakistan