Three Hindu traders kidnapped in Pakistan

Islamabad: Three prominent Hindu businessmen were kidnapped along with their driver by unidentified armed men in Sindh province of southern Pakistan on Saturday.

The businessmen, Ramesh Lal, Ashok Kumar and Hari Ram, were abducted with their driver in Ranipur area of Sindh, Pakistan Hindu Council patron Ramesh Kumar Vankwani said.

In addition to being a prominent trader, Lal is the president of the Hindu panchayat of Thul sub-division of Jacobabad district.

Three prominent Hindu businessmen were kidnapped along with their driver by unidentified armed men.

The businessmen were going from Karachi to Jacobabad city when they were abducted.

The driver was recovered during a search operation conducted by police. However, police were yet to trace the businessmen.

Scores of members of the minority Hindu community, especially traders, have been kidnapped in Sindh and Balochistan provinces over the past few years.

The abductions have been blamed on militant groups and criminal gangs.

"The law and order situation is not very good and the kidnapping of Hindu traders for ransom is increasing. They are seen as easy targets," Vankwani said.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)