Kidnapped Chinese engineer freed in Pakistan

A Chinese engineer, kidnapped nearly six months ago by the Pakistani Taliban, has been released and is safe, the embassy of the Communist nation said on Sunday.

Long Xiaowei, an employee of ZTE Corporation, China's largest telecommunications equipment provider, was kidnapped along with a colleague from Dir district of the troubled North West Frontier Province on August 29 last year. Long's colleague escaped from their captors in October.

The Taliban released Long on Saturday and he reached the Chinese embassy here early this morning. Chinese officials said Long would go back to China soon to join his family.

"This embassy along with Mr Long wishes to express sincere thanks to the efforts by relative departments of Pakistan for his safe release," said a statement issued by the Chinese embassy.

During his meeting with Long, Ambassador Luo Zhaohui said the embassy would make more efforts for the safety and protection of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

The embassy will also "strengthen security measures together with the Pakistani side", Lou was quoted as saying by Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency.

Reports said Long was released in the northwestern Swat district, large parts of which are controlled by the local Taliban.

The two Chinese engineers were abducted when they went to Dir district to work on a mobile phone tower. The Taliban had earlier demanded the release of several arrested militants in exchange for the Chinese nationals.

The Taliban recently executed a Polish engineer after negotiations with the government for his release failed.

The militants are currently holding Afghanistan's ambassador-designate and a top Iranian diplomat. Both of them were kidnapped in NWFP's capital Peshawar.