‘Pay Rs8m or prepare to die’
Letter to Atif Khan says he’s on ‘wanted list’; TTP spokesperson denies group’s involvement, vows to investigate and punish culprits
Peshawar
The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) has allegedly sent a letter to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Science and Technology Minister Atif Khan, demanding he pay Rs8 million within three days or prepare to get killed, it emerged on Wednesday.
The letter, which appears to be from the TTP division in the area, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, is addressed to the minister who hails from Mardan.
“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,” the letter reads.
“Thus, you will have to either fulfil our demand to exit this list, or you will lose your life. Our demand is for Rs8m. We want an answer within three days.”
Talking to the media today, Khan confirmed that he had received the letter. “The way ransom [letters] come normally … some people have received them,” he said.
The minister said he had shared the letter with all security agencies and now the onus for taking action was on them.
KP government spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif said an investigation would be conducted into the letter received by Khan and action would be taken in accordance with the law.
“The KP government will not tolerate extortion [demands]. Whoever receives such a letter or call should inform the police.
“Some criminals are carrying out these activities. The KP government will deal fully with them.”
TTP denies involvement
On the other hand, TTP spokesman Mohammad Khorasani denied the group’s involvement in sending the letter to the minister.
In a statement, Khorasani said the TTP had “nothing to do with the letter”. “We will investigate and will punish the culprits,” he said.
