Peshawar, Dec 27: Securing the release of 16 kidnapped people, among them four army officials and a senior officer of the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CAR), has become a serious problem for the Pakistan Government.

Sources said that the officials had been kidnapped between Darra Adamkhel and Matanni in Peshawar district.

Officials said that negotiations were in progress with the militants for the release of two captains, two havaldars, a CAR officer, four cable TV operators and seven others.

Military sources refuted a claim of Taliban spokesman that the army officials were in their custody and that they had been kidnapped from Kohat City.

The kidnapping spree in Darra Adamkhel begun on December 11 after sectarian clashes broke out in Kurram Agency.

Sources said that the administration was relying on maliks who lacked the courage to confront the local Taliban.

The districts of Hangu and Kohat, surrounded by tribal areas, have become targets of the militants whose activities were increasing in the region.

Local people say that the law enforcement agency has failed to restore peace in Kurram Agency despite claims made by NWFP Governor Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai.

A local journalist said the administration had done nothing to make the Parachinar-Peshawar road safe, which had resulted in extreme food shortage and disruption of education and working in government and private offices.

He said the people were forced to buy food from Paktia province in Afghanistan at exorbitant rates, the Dawn reported. (ANI)