ISLAMABAD, April 23: Pakistani and Islamabad-based foreign journalists on Monday held a protest rally outside Parliament House on Monday to show solidarity with the BBC correspondent Alan Johnston who was abducted from Gaza strip six weeks ago.

The journalists from print and electronic media were holding placards inscribed with slogans seeking safe release of Mr Johnston.

Rawalpindi Press Club President Mushtaq Minhas, general-secretary Afzal Butt and other office-bearers led the protest rally.

Journalists around the world have rallied for Alan Johnston since he was abducted on March 12 at gunpoint in Gaza City, where he has been based as the BBC correspondent for the last three years.

It remains unclear which group may have abducted Mr Johnston, but the Palestinian Authority said over the weekend that the BBC correspondent was still alive.

Mr Johnston, a highly respected journalist, has served as the BBC correspondent in many countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan.

He was based in Kabul from 1997 to 1998, and during this period often travelled to Islamabad to cover events in Pakistan.