Canadian journalist's kidnappers set Sunday as final deadline

Peshawar, Apr. 4 (ANI): Talibani kidnappers of Canadian journalist Khadija Abdul Qahaar have issued warnings to kill her, if their demands for ransom are not met by Sunday.

"Until now, not a single official of the Pakistan and Canadian governments has approached us. April 5 is the final deadline," The News quoted North Waziristan based militant organization's statement, as saying

The unknown organization 'Gumnam Mujahideen-e-Islam' has twice extended deadlines while demanding two million dollars ransom.

In a hand-written pamphlet, circulated in parts of North Waziristan by an" the militants alleged the Canadian woman was not a journalist but was sent by the Canadian Government to spy on the Taliban in North Waziristan.

"We once again ask the Pakistan and Canadian governments to accept our demands by April 5, or else we will kill Khadija Abdul Qahaar because she is not a journalist and came to Pakistan on a mission to spy for the Canadian government. Under the Islamic laws, her punishment is death," the pamphlet read.

The Canadian government has reportedly refused to negotiate with the kidnappers or pay ransom, which is against Canadian Government's policies.

Canadian government also urged to send its own security personnel to help the Pakistani authorities to recover of the aged woman journalist and her two Pakistani helpers.

Sources said the militants had been frustrated with cold response of the Pakistan and Canadian governments and their reluctance to pay such a huge ransom for her release.

The militants extended their deadline on appeals from local journalists and tribal elders. (ANI)