Prominent Academic Released In Pakistan

Pakistani security officials say a prominent academic held hostage for four years by the Pakistan Taliban has been rescued.

According to a statement from the Pakistan military, Muhammad Ajmal Khan had been "recovered" but disclosed few other details.

A senior security official in Peshawar told AFP that Khan was recovered from "an operational area in North Waziristan tribal district."

The Pakistani military has been waging a major assault against Taliban strongholds in North Waziristan since June.

The Pakistani Taliban abducted Ajmal Khan in the troubled northern city of Peshawar in September 2010.

Ajmal Khan is the vice chancellor of Peshawar University.

Based on reporting by AFP and RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal