All the nine hostages including seven Chinese were released here Saturday afternoon, the deputy of the Lal Masjid, Red Mosque, announced at a press conference.

In a statement, Lal Masjid deputy Abdul Rashid Gazi said that they released all the hostages on the basis of good relationship between China and Pakistan and assurance from the Pakistani authorities.

He also said that he would like to invite the Chinese envoy here to visit the mosque.

A Chinese couple, five of their women employees, and two Pakistani men were taken away from their residence in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, early Saturday morning by Lal Masjid students.

Earlier, in a telephone conversation with Chinese ambassador Luo Zhaohui, Pakistani Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao said that he was very sorry for the unexpected incident.

He also told Luo that Pakistan would take all measures to ensure the safety and to get early release of all the Chinese hostages.

In a separate phone conversation, Luo contacted Pakistan Muslim League (Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and asked to use his influence for the safety and early release of the Chinese hostages.

Source: Xinhua