The banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has allegedly sent an extortion letter to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Science and Technology Minister Atif Khan demanding he pay them Rs 8 million within three days in exchange for his life.
The minister confirmed the contents of the letter during a media talk on Wednesday, where he said that many people had been receiving such ransom letters. The letter received by him appeared to be from TTP Mardan, and claimed that Khan had been on 'TTP Mardan's Most Wanted List' for quite some time and it was finally his turn.
“You know who we are and what we want. We know you very closely and have all your data and records because you are on TTP Mardan’s wanted list and your turn has come,” read the letter, adding that in order to exit the list, the minister would have to fulfill their demands, or he would lose his life.
"Our demand is for Rs8m. We want an answer within three days," the letter stated. The minister said that he had shared the contents of the letter with the relevant security agencies, and now it was their responsibility to take action and ensure protection.
KP government spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif said that an investigation had been launched, adding, "The KP government will not tolerate extortion [demands]. Whoever receives such a letter or call should inform the police."
The minister confirmed the contents of the letter during a media talk on Wednesday, where he said that many people had been receiving such ransom letters. The letter received by him appeared to be from TTP Mardan, and claimed that Khan had been on 'TTP Mardan's Most Wanted List' for quite some time and it was finally his turn.
“You know who we are and what we want. We know you very closely and have all your data and records because you are on TTP Mardan’s wanted list and your turn has come,” read the letter, adding that in order to exit the list, the minister would have to fulfill their demands, or he would lose his life.
"Our demand is for Rs8m. We want an answer within three days," the letter stated. The minister said that he had shared the contents of the letter with the relevant security agencies, and now it was their responsibility to take action and ensure protection.
KP government spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif said that an investigation had been launched, adding, "The KP government will not tolerate extortion [demands]. Whoever receives such a letter or call should inform the police."