Islamabad militants on Friday freed eight of 29 kidnapped government officials in north-western Pakistan after mediation by tribesmen.

Heavily armed rebels, believed to be linked with top Pakistani Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud, seized the officials two weeks ago from different areas of the restive district in North-West Frontier Province after security forces detained seven of their comrades.

"The release represents a goodwill gesture on the part of the Taliban, who have agreed to a ceasefire to establish peace in the district," said Hussain Asghar, who was among the 30-member peace committee that held talks with the militants.

The released officials mostly belonged to public utility departments but also included a policeman.

Security forces launched an offensive in Hangu last week after militants lured a group of paramilitary troops into an ambush and killed 17 soldiers.

The military said Wednesday that the operation had been wrapped up "after clearing the area of militants and destroying their hideouts."

At least 20 militants and 16 troops were killed in the weeklong fighting, chief military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said.

Rehman Malik, a top Interior Ministry official, told journalists Friday that a purported al-Qaeda member, identified only as Amjad, was among the dozens of insurgents arrested during the operation.

Malik said peace had been restored in Hangu after ceasefire agreements and warned that authorities would strictly deal with anyone breaching the accords.

Pakistan's tribal region and the North-West Frontier Province, both bordering Afghanistan, are once again in the grip of violence after a brief respite achieved through talks between the new government and the militant leaders four months ago. (dpa)