News reporters say that such escorts are routinely sent with dignitaries and officials when they travel through tribal areas.

But some travelers dispense with them because they think it makes their movements more noticeable.

Hundreds of people have been kidnapped in the dangerous border regions over the past year – including four Pakistani Red Cross workers went missing in the same area a few days ago.

Mr Azizuddin is said to have previously travelled to Kabul by road, often without the tribal security escort.