MIRAMSHAH, Aug 17: Political authorities have released five prisoners including brother of a wanted militant and an Afghan national in Miramshah, North Waziristan Agency, officials said.

They were set free from the Miramshah jail on the occasion of Independence Day. Officials said that they were arrested during various military operations in the area.

Noor Gul, the brother of wanted militant Maulvi Sadiq Noor and an Afghan national were also among the released persons.

The political authorities had already released about 60 people since militants announced ceasefire in the agency on June 25.

Meanwhile, colourful programmes were organised in Miramshah on Independence Day which were attended by General Officer Commanding Maj-Gen Azher Ali Shah, Political Agent Dr Fakhr Alam and tribesmen.

Main event of the day was flag hoisting ceremony in Tochi Stadium Miramshah where the GOC 7-Div unfurled the national flag in the presence of a large number of tribesmen.

Later a grand Jirga was held in which the speakers highlighted various aspects of the independence movement particularly the role played by the tribesmen in the creation of Pakistan.