Militants free eight hostages in Pakistan

Kohat: Pro-Taliban militants freed eight of the dozens of paramilitary troops and officials they have been holding hostage for nearly two weeks, officials said on Friday.

Militants kidnapped have nearly 50 soldiers and officials to press for the release of their comrades. A government official was freed on Wednesday.

Mufti Janan, a tribal negotiator, said efforts were underway to secure release of the other hostages.

"The militants are demanding release of at least three of their men including, Rafi Uddin," he said.

Rafi Uddin is a deputy of Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud, who is accused of being behind a wave of suicide attacks across the country over the past year.