Islamabad, Jan 17 (IANS) Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar Tuesday told the Senate that 43 Pakistani nationals taken hostage by pirates in four different incidents have been released by paying ransom.

Khar, however, did not specify the exact figures being paid, the Online news agency reported.

During the question hour, Khar also said at least 101 Pakistanis held in Spanish jails under various charges were not being identified because under Spanish law there was a provision to keep secret the identities of detained people.

She told the house that Pakistani missions across the world have collected an amount of over Rs.13 billion for providing visa and consular services during the last five years.