British captive in Pakistan released

A British journalist held captive by militants in northwestern Pakistan since March has been released.

Asad Qureshi was attempting to film Taliban leaders in the country's lawless tribal area of North Waziristan when he was abducted earlier this year.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We can confirm that Asad Qureshi has been released. Our consular staff are providing assistance."

Authorities were understood to have been negotiating his release since April.

Qureshi, a British national of Pakistani descent, is a film-maker who has been working freelance for at least five years.

Two former senior members of Pakistan's intelligence agency, who were acting as guides, were believed to have been abducted at the same time.

North Waziristan remains a stronghold for the Taliban and a continuing source of anxiety for Western governments.