Pakistan frees Baloch nationalist

By Barbara Plett
BBC News, Islamabad

Mr Mengal spent two years in jail

The new government in Pakistan has released from prison a nationalist leader from the province of Balochistan, Akthar Mengal.

Mr Mengal has been in prison for the past two years.

The move is seen as a gesture for peace towards a province that has been wracked by an armed insurgency for the past four years.

Baloch rebels are demanding either independence from Pakistan or greater autonomy within it.

Uprisings

Akhtar Mengal's release is seen as part of the new government's policy of reconciliation and bringing peace to the restive province of Balochistan.

Balochistan has a long history of resisting external influences

This includes setting free political prisoners like Mr Mengal, investigating the hundreds of Baloch nationalists believed to have been abducted by security forces and granting greater autonomy to the region.

Balochistan is the country's largest province, and richest in natural wealth, but its people are the poorest.

The Baloch have long accused the central government of exploiting their resources and treating their province like a colony.

This has led to several armed uprisings, the most recent of which broke out in 2004.

Mr Mengal's release will be welcomed by mainstream nationalist forces, but it's unlikely to stop the insurgency.

The armed rebels demand independence and reject negotiations with the central government.