The British embassy in Islamabad has coordinated the rescue of a French national held captive in Pakistan for more than ten years, diplomatic sources confirmed on Tuesday. The operation, conducted in close cooperation with Pakistani authorities, marks a rare success in the murky world of hostage diplomacy. The French national, whose identity has not been disclosed for security reasons, was reportedly abducted in 2013 while travelling near the Afghan border.
He is believed to have been held by a militant group with links to regional smuggling networks. Details of the rescue remain classified, but officials described it as a "complex and delicate"
undertaking involving months of intelligence sharing and negotiations. A British embassy spokesperson stated: "We are relieved to confirm the safe recovery of a foreign national who had been unlawfully detained.
We extend our gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for their essential cooperation." The French government has been informed, and the individual is now receiving medical and psychological support. The case underscores the persistent risks faced by Western nationals in conflict-ridden regions and the quiet, often overlooked efforts of diplomatic missions to resolve such crises.
This development offers a rare glimmer of hope for the families of other hostages held in the region, though officials caution against expecting a wave of similar breakthroughs.
