Kidnapping of Shahbaz Ali Taseer: Details Emerge

Shahbaz Ali Taseer, son of slain Governor of Punjab Salmaan Taseer, was kidnapped in broad daylight from C-2 Gulberg-III, Lahore, on August 27. Four men riding a car and a motorbike intercepted and held him hostage on gunpoint near his office at around 10:54 am. The Model Town Police investigators suspect that it was a work of a banned outfit, but no one has claimed responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

• Shahbaz Ali Taseer was kidnapped in broad daylight from C-2 Gulberg-III, Lahore, on August 27.
• The kidnappers used a 444 rifle in the incident, and a case (1036/11) was lodged against unidentified kidnappers under section 365 of PPC.
• Two suspects were taken into custody, but they were released after initial investigations.
• President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani directed the Inspector General Police (Punjab) to take all measures to recover Shahbaz Taseer.
• The Punjab government took immediate action, with Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah assuring the early release of Shahbaz.
• The police investigated the crime scene and collected forensic evidence from Shahbaz's car and mobile phone.
• A National Response Centre for Cyber Crimes (NR3C) team also visited Shahbaz's office and residence to collect forensic evidence.
• High-ranking investigative teams comprising FIA, ISI, and City Police personnel were constituted to trace out the kidnappers.
• Shahbaz's personal guard, Liaquat, told investigators that Shahbaz often used to travel in a bigger car, but on the day of the kidnapping, he was traveling in a smaller car.

Statistics:

• The police found a 444 rifle at the crime scene.
• The wreckage of the Mercedes (LZT-1) used by Shahbaz was found near the crime scene.
• The police investigated the case under section 365 of PPC (kidnapping).
• The Punjab government assured the early release of Shahbaz Taseer.

Sources:

• BY, August 27, THE NATION
• Asia Pulse, through (THROUGH ASIA PULSE)