**Five people abducted by suspected militants in Pakistan’s volatile north-west tribal region have been released after a mass kidnapping on Saturday. **Twenty-five hostages were taken in Kurram after they were ambushed by men reportedly dressed as police officers.
Eighteen people were freed on Sunday. Officials said talks for the release of two remaining hostages were ongoing.
The kidnappers are thought to be local fighters loyal to the Taliban. Women and children were among those taken.
Three government officials, two of them employees of the state-run power supply company, were among those freed following negotiations between local tribal elders and the kidnappers, news agency AFP quoted officials as saying.
“They are now on their way to their destination in Kurram,” the agency quoted senior administration official Khalid Omarzai as saying.
Gunmen seized several vehicles travelling in a convoy to Parachinar, the main city in Kurram, on Saturday.
Kidnappings for ransom are common in Kurram, which borders Afghanistan.
The Taliban has a strong presence in Kurram, which has also been the site of violence between the majority Sunni Muslims and Shias.This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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