QUETTA, Aug 17: Dr Ghulam Rasool Kakar, prominent psychiatrist and senior professor of the Bolan Medical College hospital, was released by kidnappers on Friday night.

The president of the Balochistan chapter of the Pakistan Medical Association, Dr Sultan Tareen, confirmed Dr Kakar’s release and said he had reached his home. Family sources also confirmed his release.

Dr Kakar was kidnapped on August 1 from the Brewery Road area when he was going to his clinic from Killi Ibrahimzai.

Talking to reporters, he said his hands and feet had been tied with ropes by the kidnappers. “I spent very painful days during captivity,” he said.It was not known if Dr Kakar was released after payment of ransom or because of intervention by influential tribal elders.

Soon after the kidnapping, the Pakistan Medical Association boycotted public and private hospitals.

Emergency services in all hospitals have remained suspended and outpatient departments closed for two weeks in Quetta and other parts of the province.