KP Senior Minister Atif Khan allegedly gets extortion letter from banned TTP

PESHAWAR, Oct 19 (SABAH): The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) has allegedly sent a letter to Senior Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister Muhammad Atif Khan, demanding he pay Rs8 million within three days or prepare to get killed, it emerged on Wednesday.

The letter, which appears to from the TTP division in the area, 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 fulfill 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 on Wednesday, Atif 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.”