ISLAMABAD: A third Pakistani blogger who went missing earlier this month is safe, his family told AFP Sunday, a day after two of the other disappeared men were confirmed secure.  

The activist, named only as Asim by his family for safety reasons, was among five who went missing more than two weeks ago, sparking fears of a government crackdown and resulting in protests.

"Asim contacted us by phone on Sunday morning and told us that he is well," a relative requesting anonymity told AFP, saying the family had been receiving threats.

On Saturday, academic Salman Haider and another blogger whose family asked not to be named were reported safe by their families.

Two others remain unaccounted for.

These social activists  went missing from various cities between January 4 and 7, triggering nationwide protests.

-AFP