Kidnap boy's father is helping police in search
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The father of a five-year-old boy who was kidnapped in Pakistan last week has been reunited with his wife and is helping officers find his son, British police said yesterday. Raja Naqqash Saeed, 28, is aiding authorities "to ensure the safe return of Sahil", Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton, of Greater Manchester Police, said.
Mr Saeed, who was holidaying with his son in Pakistan when he was snatched on Wednesday of last week, has been reunited with his wife Akila at their home in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
Sahil Saeed was taken at gunpoint from his grandmother's house in the Punjab region of Pakistan by raiders who put a £100,000 ransom on his head, and is still missing. Speculation that his father is a suspect in the case is not correct, Mr Shenton said. Police in Pakistan have made several arrests but none has been made in the UK.
He said: "Mr Saeed is working with us, and his wife and the family for the safe release of his son. GMP (Greater Manchester Police) has not made any arrests in relation to the Pakistani investigation. Our primary concern is Sahil's welfare and his safe return."
Mr Saeed and his son were at the end of a two-week visit when the boy was snatched. Several men, including a taxi driver, have been arrested, and four police officers were suspended after it emerged that they did not initially respond to the family's emergency call. Mr Shenton said the Pakistani police were in charge of the investigation and GMP were assisting them, but had no officers out there.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments