ASA 33/017/2011

PAKISTAN

Pakistani journalist Rehmatullah Darpakhel, who was abducted on 11 August 2011, was released on 12 October and is now recovering with his family.

On the afternoon of 11 August 2011, journalist Rehmatullah Darpakhel was abducted by unknown men as he shopped for groceries in his home town of Miran Shah in North Waziristan, in north-western Pakistan.

Amnesty International does not yet know who abducted Rehmatullah Darpakhel, but he was released on 12 October and is now recovering with his family in Miran Shah.

Rehmatullah Darpakhel’s release has been greeted with relief by his family and the journalist community. Hundreds of people have travelled to Miran Shah to welcome him back. According to family and colleagues, he is in good health.

An experienced journalist with a reputation for fair and balanced coverage, Rehmatullah Darpakhel was one of the few to report from North Waziristan tribal agency, one of the most active and dangerous frontlines in the ongoing conflict between the Taleban and international forces.

No further appeals are requested. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.

This is the first update of UA 270/11. Further information: http://amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA33/015/2011/en

Name: Rehmatullah Darpakhel

Gender m/f: Male