Iranian Diplomat Kidnapped In NW Pakistan, Bodyguard Killed

In the same area of NW Pakistan that saw an American aid worker killed yesterday along with his driver, the Taliban have struck again and this time captured an Iranian diplomat while killing his bodyguard. Here's the latest details from Breitbart:

An Iranian diplomat was kidnapped and his bodyguard was killed by unknown gunmen in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar on Thursday, the Pakistani government said.

The official Associated Press of Pakistan quoted local police as saying the gunmen intercepted a vehicle carrying the Iranian Consulate's commercial attache as he was going from home to his office in Peshawar's posh Hayatabad township.
The report said the bodyguard was shot dead after resisting.

So, as I read this report, I found the most interesting statement. This statement jumped out at me. Take a look:

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in a statement, condemned the kidnapping of Iranian diplomat Heshmatollah Attarzadeh and assured Iran that Pakistani authorities "will take all necessary measures for his safe and early recovery."

Why does that stand out for me? Well, as most of my regular readers know, I probably look at over three dozen of these Pakistan reports a day and to my knowledge, this is the FIRST time I have seen the Pakistani government utter a word of condemnation for any killing or abduction like this, let alone make assurances that they will work to free a hostage. I've simply never seen this before. And I can only say this is because this dude is Iranian. The Pakistanis certainly didn't make this statement when the Afghan diplomat was kidnapped...they've said nothing regarding the Amercan aid worker killed.

Now, I'm not sure if Pakistan would be scared of Iran (that nuke thing yanno) or if they feel some sort of bond there but I find it revealing.

Iranian diplomat kidnapped in Pakistan, bodyguard slain+

ISLAMABAD, Nov. 13 (AP) - (Kyodo)—(EDS: UPDATING)
An Iranian diplomat was kidnapped and his bodyguard was killed by unknown gunmen in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar on Thursday, the Pakistani government said.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in a statement, condemned the kidnapping of Iranian diplomat Heshmatollah Attarzadeh and assured Iran that Pakistani authorities "will take all necessary measures for his safe and early recovery."
The official Associated Press of Pakistan quoted local police as saying the gunmen intercepted a vehicle carrying the Iranian Consulate's commercial attache as he was going from home to his office in Peshawar's posh Hayatabad township.
The report said the bodyguard was shot dead after resisting.
The incident occurred a day after an American aid worker was shot dead in Hayatabad.
Afghanistan's ambassador-designate to Pakistan Abdul Khaliq Farahi was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in the same township a few weeks ago. His whereabouts remain unknown.
Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Mashallah Shakeri was quoted by his country's official Islamic Republic News Agency as saying he holds Pakistan responsible for ensuring security of foreign diplomats and that Iranian officials are working with Pakistani officials on the case.
IRNA quoted witnesses as saying three gunmen with long beards were involved in the abduction, though no group had yet claimed responsibility.
Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, in a statement, strongly condemned the abduction of the Iranian diplomat and ordered urgent steps to be taken for his safe release.
Peshawar is the capital of restive North-West Frontier Province, which has seen fighting in recent months between Pakistani forces and pro- Taliban militants.
On Tuesday, a bomb attack at the main gate of Peshawar's Qayum Stadium claimed four lives, including the suicide bomber.