By Shamim Shahid KABUL _ The kidnapping of Korean nationals has dominated proceeding of the first ever Joint Peace Jirga of Afghanistan and Pakistan being held in Kabul over the last two days. Almost all of the speakers, whether they were from Afghanistan or Pakistan, have denounced the act by the un-identified kidnappers and termed it contrary to Afghan as well as Islamic norms. `` For the first time, guest women are being made hostages in Afghanistan,'' remarked President Hamid Karzai in his inaugural address before the Jirga (Grand Assembly of elders from both Pakistan and Afghanistan.) Around 700 delegates from the neighboring countries are attending the jirga aimed at discussing ways and means for bringing an end to increasing acts of violence, terrorism and militancy as well as strengthening bilateral relations and understanding the two countries. Beside Karzai a number of other speakers have also diverted their attention to this menace, which observers believe is aimed at discouraging foreign donors and volunteers in Afghanistan for its reconstruction process. As many as 23 Korean nationals mostly women were taken hostage somewhere in central Ghazni Province of Afghanistan in July. Two of these Korean nationals have been killed whereas the remaining 21 are alive and efforts are under way for their early and safe recovery. Earlier, the Afghan government with the collaboration of NATO forces made hectic efforts for recovery of the Korean nationals but now Seoul itself is struggling and engaging with the kidnappers. Waheed Ullah Mujaddadi, a close relative of former President Prof. Sibghat Ullah Mujaddadi was leader of the negotiation team constituted by the government. However, this failed in getting its objectives. ``Now the Korean authorities themselves are engaged in talks with the kidnappers,'' remarked Afghan Information Minister Abdul Karim Khurram while talking to this reporter on Friday. He, however, was unable to say anything about the mediators facilitating the Korean authorities. A high-ranking Afghan source said earlier that the kidnappers have demanded $1 million as ransom for each Korean national. But now it seems that kidnappers are likely to reduce the demand for ransom. He was, however, sure about freeing of the Korean nationals in the wake of secret dialogues and bargains. After the Korean government pleaded not to use force for the recovery of the hostages, the Afghan government is playing the role of silent spectator. Beside the Korean nationals unknown persons in Maidan Wardag province have also abducted two Germans. One of these has already died whereas a notorious criminal is holding the second hostage according to authorities. The authorities as well as mediators are struggling for the recovery of the German national. During the second day of the Jirga, female parliamentarian Shukria Barakzai was the first one who diverted the attention of the delegates towards the kidnapping of the Korean nationals, mostly women. ``Women have never been made hostages in Afghanistan history,'' she said in an emotional tone while expressing concern over the growing trend of militancy and terrorism in the region. She observed that the people who have abducted the Koreans have nothing to do Afghanistan as Afghans would never think of indulging themselves in such immoral and inhuman acts. The Afghan parliamentarian taking advantages of the joint gathering of elders from the neighboring countries, urged the leaders, rulers, politicians, religious clerics and other public opinion makers to help in the early and safe recovery of ``these innocent and helpless Koreans who came here to help us with reconstruction.'' Prof. Jamil Hussain Bangash, an educator from Pakistan, in his speech also expressed concern over kidnapping of the Koreans, as did Afghanistan parliament member Sardar Rehman Oghli from the Northern provinces. Both of them said that these hostages were in the custody of Taliban and this issue has made the rest of the world uneasy. On such grounds, they also asked all those having influence with the militants calling themselves Taliban to help in the release of the hostages. Earlier, leading politicians from both countries also expressed concern over the kidnapping of while mentioning different points of the agenda to be thrashed out in the coming three days.