The father of a five-year-old British boy held captive in Pakistan has returned to the UK.
Sahil Saeed, from Shaw, Oldham, was grabbed by gun and grenade-wielding raiders from his grandmother’s house on Thursday.
His father, Raja Naqqash Saeed, was with him on the trip and had remained in the country amid efforts to rescue Sahil.
Police appeared to be no closer to finding Sahil as Mr Saeed arrived back in Britain.
But the BBC reported that police in Pakistan had wanted Mr Saeed to stay in the country as a witness.
The raiders struck as Sahil and his father were preparing to fly home, apparently subjecting the family to a six-hour ordeal after breaking into the house in Jhelum.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We continue to provide consular assistance to the family.”
Pakistan’s prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani called Sahil’s father at the weekend to assure him the family had the full support of his government.
On Sunday, the boy’s mother, Akila Naqqash, made a direct appeal to the abductors from the family home in Oldham to end their ordeal and let her son go.
In a message to the kidnappers, Ms Naqqash, 31, said: “I just want my son back. All is forgiven, I will forgive you.
“You may have children yourself. I forgive you.”
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Showing comments 1 to 24 and replies | View All
Dzenko, Manchester (10/03/2010 at 14:20)
Blueshark, Manchester (10/03/2010 at 14:37)
Pongo61 (10/03/2010 at 14:40)
Dzenko, Manchester (10/03/2010 at 14:43)
Paul Bobs (10/03/2010 at 14:44)
~However, it is his choice. I do not believe for one minute thatthey are involved. I think that is the press just trying to make it a sensation
Andanotherthing, Mcr (10/03/2010 at 14:48)
The govenment of Pakistan will also be doing what they can to ensure sahil's safe return.
Dzenko, Manchester (10/03/2010 at 15:00)
uncle bulgaria, Wimbledon Common (10/03/2010 at 15:10)
Knowall, stretford end (10/03/2010 at 15:11)
Laura Norder, Didsbury (10/03/2010 at 15:34)
I'm sure, if required, diplomatic wheels within wheels are in motion.
I'm waiting now for some conspiracy theorist to claim - when the child is 'freed' - it was a put-up-job by Labour to boost their chances in the election...
kimsback, stockport (10/03/2010 at 15:46)
just dance, espanol spain (10/03/2010 at 17:04)
Belrock, England (10/03/2010 at 19:16)
just dance, espanol spain
10/03/2010 at 17:04
Latest news on tv says he is back in Britain but nobody including the family knows where he is and they have not received any phone calls from him. How can that be called coming home to look after his family? Looks like he boarded a plane in Pakistan without informing the authorities that he was leaving. Like most parents on here there is no way I could have come home leaving my son out there. When his wife appears on tv she always has 3 ladies comforting her and I would assume they would help with the care and getting to school of the 2 daughters. Whatever is going on I hope the police arrest all involved and most importantly the Lad comes home soon.
Cheryl P, Salford (10/03/2010 at 20:03)
And, while yes I agree that it does seem a little soon for the father to come home but in the same respect, what can he do there except wait for news? Would it not be best for him he spends time time with his family getting the support he must need.
abbott71, bolton (10/03/2010 at 20:10)
Donkey Stoner, Doorstep Edge (10/03/2010 at 20:32)
"I as a mother wouldnt sit here in this country while my husband was over there i would be on the first plane over. Its all a bit odd "
There is a reason that his mum cannot go - Hubby has her passport (story not covered by MEN but Daily Mail covered it)
thoughtful, East of Manchester (10/03/2010 at 20:55)
As for 'Just Dances' stupid comments, he didn't take the daughters! they stayed at home despite being older.
This story will not stay in the press not because is not white, you racist man, but because people like Max Clifford are not involved to keep it on the front pages, nor is the Pope.
I'm actually surprised that with comments like 'while they were out drinking' you've not been taken to court for slander / libel because they weren't.
When in Rome (10/03/2010 at 22:40)
You are another sick poster on par with salfordrat that has also resorted to use skin colour/race etc on this tragic event.
I hope the little boy is found safe and reasonably well. However, something doesn't seem right and I don't know the circumstances why his father has left him in Pakistan.
Susan Buckley (10/03/2010 at 22:42)
castleton resident, castleton (10/03/2010 at 23:06)
Britt/Canada (10/03/2010 at 23:24)
10/03/2010 at 17:09
People like you are the reason that I left England....you are pathetic!!!
JTC Formerley JimC (11/03/2010 at 11:39)
daniel ,
11/03/2010 at 00:57
What a stupid idiotic comment.
I can not even try to imagine what this poor child is going through, for his sake and all concerned i hope this comes to a happy ending as soon as possible. I hope you return home safe and sound Sahil.
Imtiaz Begum, Birmingham (11/03/2010 at 18:30)
Considering the amount of effort put into previous child abduction cases Eg madeline mccan-i think its equally important to get the British goverment to do what they can and put pressure on the pakistani government as so far its been "all talk and no action" esp from the pakistani side with their repetitive unfruitful 24-48 hr deadlines.
Lets find Sahil and get the little man back to his family.
katey doll, spotland (15/03/2010 at 11:54)
Katey Jayne, Rochdale