Politician Kidnapped In Pakistan's Southwest

Awami National Party leader, Arbab Abdul Zahir Kasi (file photo)

QUETTA, Pakistan -- Unknown gunmen have kidnapped a senior politician in Pakistan's restive southwestern province of Balochistan.

Arbab Abdul Zahir Kasi was taken from his car on the morning of October 23 as he traveled on a busy road in the provincial capital, Quetta.

Kasi is a senior leader of the secular Pashtun Awami National Party and was considered the head of the Kasi tribe, who make up a sizable part of Quetta's population of nearly 2 million.

Police are questioning Kasi's driver regarding the incident.

The kidnapping prompted protests and a partial strike in the city. No one has immediately claimed responsibility.

Kidnappings for ransom are common in Balochistan. Most kidnapping victims have been doctors and businessmen.