Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang confirmed Saturday
night that the seven Chinese kidnapped in Pakistani capital of
Islamabad were released around 8 PM Saturday (Beijing Time).
"They have arrived at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, with the
efforts from Chinese Foreign Ministry and the embassy, and the
great support from the Pakistani government," Qin said.
Chinese government has paid great attention to the abduction,
said Qin. "Both the Foreign Ministry and the embassy have lodged
urgent representation with the Pakistani side, requesting the
early release of the Chinese hostages and ensure the safety of all
Chinese in Pakistan."
It was reported that a Chinese couple, five of their women
employees, and two Pakistani men were taken away from their
residence in Islamabad early Saturday morning by Lal Masjid
students.
(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2007)