KOHAT, April 21: Three Swiss nationals, who were held on suspicion of links with Al Qaeda, were released on Thursday night after authorities confirmed that they were genuine tourists.

A police officer said on Friday that the three foreigners, Mr Marcos, Mr Reagon and Mr Tipli, were detained by FC men from a hilly area between Kohat and Darra Adamkhel where they wanted to camp.

The FC officials informed the police who brought them to the Janglekhel police station for interrogation. Later, they were released and escorted by the police up to Dera Ghazi Khan on Thursday night. Officials said they possessed valid visas for Pakistan and Iran.