British journalist kidnapped by Pakistani militants freed

Source: Telegraph (UK)

A British journalist held hostage by militants in north-west Pakistan has been freed after spending almost six months in captivity.

Rob Crilly in Islamabad
Published: 6:35PM BST Sep 09 2010

Asad Qureshi was abducted with two former Pakistani intelligence officers while travelling in the Taliban stronghold of North Waziristan.

Local newspapers reported that a ransom of 14m rupees was paid although there was no independent confirmation.

A spokesman for the British High Commission said: "We can confirm that Asad Qureshi has been released and our consular team are providing him with consular assistance." His release on Wednesday evening was brokered by relatives, according to a source involved in early negotiations.

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Qureshi, who also has Pakistani nationality, was working for an independent production company making a documentary on militants when he was kidnapped in March.

The case mystified analysts and resembled a cloak and dagger mystery, with an exotic cast of spies and murky motives.

Read more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7992112/British-journalist-kidnapped-by-Pakistani-militants-freed.html

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Asad Qureshi has been freed after spending almost six months in captivity