SAR-I-PUL (Pajhwok): A provincial council candidate has been kidnapped by militants in northern Sar-i-Pul province, a senior official said on Monday.
Hussain Nazari was seized from a passenger vehicle on his way from Suzma Qala district to the provincial capital late on Sunday.
Governor Abdul Jabbar Haqbin told Pajhwok Afghan News Nazari was contesting the April 5 provincial elections from Balkhab district.
He had been taken to an unknown location, with local elders and security personnel trying to secure the candidate’s release, the governor said. 
An operation would be conducted for Nazari’s recovery if mediation efforts failed, Haqbin added. Four other individuals kidnapped along with the runner have been freed.
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