Kidnapped Canadian couple in Pakistan released after five years

Joshua Boyle (34) and Caitlan Coleman (31) were kidnapped by the Taliban linked Haqqani network in 2012 as the couple cross into Afganistan.

Coleman was pregnant at a time the couple were kidnapped in Pakistan. Later, she gave birth to three children in the custody, while the third one is just few months old.

Boyle has already informed his father about the news of their rescue from captivity.

Patrik Boyle, in an interview with the Star, said that he had an interaction with his son. "Josh said he was doing pretty well for someone who has spent the last five years in an underground prison."

The Pakistan government issued a statement on Thursday to confirm the news of the rescue of the Canadian family with the help of an operation carried out by the troops and intelligence agencies of the country.

In a youtube video uploaded in 2016, Boyle, as per the instructions given by the kidnappers, urged the Afganistan government that if it did not stop killing the Talibani prisoners then his family will be killed.

Later, Boyle's parents made a video to address the captivators, saying: "We’ve done the best an ordinary Canadian family can do. I’ve personally written to several of the most senior government officials in Afghanistan, those with great power over the execution of your brothers.”

“We’ve done what you’ve asked of us, we’re now respectfully asking you to show mercy to our family members in return. Please" Boyle's father said while addressing the captivators.

Expressing relief over the release of the couple, Canadian foreign affairs minister, Chrystia Freeland said: "Canada has been actively engaged with the governments of the United States, Afghanistan and Pakistan and we thank them for their efforts, which have resulted in the release of Joshua, Caitlan and their children."

"Joshua, Caitlan, their children and the Boyle and Coleman families have endured a horrible ordeal over the past five years. We stand ready to support them as they begin their healing journey,” he added.

(Reporting by Suman Das)