An Iranian diplomat together with his driver was abducted in northwestern Pakistan on Thursday, local television said.

Athar Zaday, Commercial Attache of Iranian Consulate, was abducted together with his driver in Hayatabad district of Peshawar, capital of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), private Geo TV channel said.

Zaday was traveling on his way to office from his home when his vehicle was stopped by unknown gunmen who took him hostage.

Zaday's guard was shot dead by the gunmen when he attempted to resist the attack, the TV said.

The Iranian Consulate in Peshawar has confirmed the kidnapping of Zaday.

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has directed the NWFP government to take immediate measures to recover the kidnapped.

In September, Afghan ambassador-designate to Pakistan Abdul Khaliq Farahi was also kidnapped in Hayatabad district of Peshawar, and there is no information about his whereabouts.

(Xinhua News Agency November 13, 2008)