An Oldham boy kidnapped while on holiday in Pakistan nearly two weeks ago has been found safe and well, the British High Commission said today.
Sahil Saeed, aged five, was snatched from a house in the town of Jhelum in the Punjab region of the country on March 4 after robbers held his family hostage at gunpoint.
The British High Commissioner in Islamabad , Adam Thomson, said today he had been released and was safe, describing his recovery as 'fantastic news'.
He said: "It brings to an end the traumatic ordeal faced by Sahil Saeed’s family.
"I would like to praise the high level of cooperation between the UK and Pakistani authorities and in particular I would like to thank the Jhelum police for their role in bringing about the safe return of Sahil."
Mum Akila is believed to have spoken to her little boy in an emotional telephone conversation in the early hours of this morning.
A relative told the MEN: "The boy has definitely spoken to his mother. he told her he has bought toys for her. I know it doesn't mean anything. It's just child's talk but it shows he seems happy.
"Please God he hasn't been affected by what has happened."
Ransom
The Punjab law minister is reported as saying a ransom HAD been paid and Sahil was then dropped off at a school.
He also said an international kidnap gang was believed to be responsible 'with at least two other countries involved.'
Foreign Office officials said they were unable at present to provide any more details about the boy’s release.
Pakistani Police official Ijaz Ahmed told the Associated Press that Sahil was found earlier today in the town of Dinga in Punjab province.
Dinga is some 20 miles (30km) from his relatives’ house in Jhelum where he was kidnapped.
The raiders apparently demanded a £100,000 ransom for the boy’s return.
His family promptly said there was 'no way' they could afford any such payment.
Sahil's family were described as 'overjoyed' at the news.
Friends and relations were seen coming and going from his terraced house.
One aunty emerged with a beaming smile and gave a thumbs-up to the reporters gathered outside.
She said: "We're going to have the biggest street party ever!"
Jane Sheridan, headteacher of Rushcroft Primary School where Sahil is a pupil, said: “We are delighted to hear that Sahil has been released safe and well.
“Along with his family we eagerly await his return to Oldham and back to Rushcroft where he has been missed by his friends and teachers.”
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want to leave, Stretford (16/03/2010 at 08:35)
I hope that Sahil recovers from this ordeal without any harm.
But - why take him to such a dangerous area? (Yes his grandparents live there, but still)
British = rich
Laura Norder, Didsbury (16/03/2010 at 08:52)
Unfortunately, if the alleged 'crime' they should be charged with was committed abroad, would the English legal system have any prosecution rights?
And, does the UK have an extradition agreement with Pakistan?
Can any lawyers enlighten us?
Hands of Stone, Southside, Manchester UK (16/03/2010 at 09:28)
BluePurgatory, Manchester (16/03/2010 at 09:45)
Ivor Rash, Oldham (16/03/2010 at 10:22)
Why do you say "unfortunately"? Do you not trust the Pakistani legal system to carry out a thorough & competent investigation and carry out a fair trial where necessary?
davmac, manchester (16/03/2010 at 10:42)
The crime was committed in Pakistan and the criminals subject to their laws. A warrant of extradition could only be applied for if Sahil had been kidnapped here and the criminals had then fled to Pakistan. So, while we don't take kindly to one of our citizens being kidnapped in a foreign country, there isn't anything we can do about it. Unlike the US, we have far more too much respect for a nation's sovereign law to interfere - particularly a Commonwealth nation like Pakistan which, apart from Sharia Law, has adopted much of what is good about our legal system.It is also more than likely Sahil will have dual British and Pakistani citizenship. The Pakistani police will move heaven and earth to find these thugs and, no doubt will ask the British police for 'unofficial' assistance if they feel the need.
NickS (16/03/2010 at 10:52)
If so, lets hope they catch the guys who did this and put them before the Pakistan Courts so they get what they deserve rather than go before UK courts and get a slap on the wrist.