Pakistan agrees to free several jailed Afghan Taliban officials

Pakistan agrees to free several jailed Afghan Taliban officials
November 14, 2012 - 12:05 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Pakistan has agreed to free several jailed Afghan Taliban officials during talks in Islamabad with Afghan peace negotiators, BBC News reported.

Afghan sources reportedly said that the former Taliban justice minister Mullah Turabi and two intelligence officials are among the group to be freed.

One Afghan official described the move as a positive gesture towards peace. Pakistan says it backs Afghan peace efforts and releasing the prisoners is a tangible step to prove it.

According to BBC, crucially, it appears that the Taliban number two, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is not among those being released - at least for now.

Analysts say this is nevertheless a significant move. The hope is that when the Taliban officials return home, they can influence others to enter talks.

Partner news
 Top stories
UN compound attacked in Somali capitalUN compound attacked in Somali capital
The bomber set off his explosives outside the gate of the United Nations Development Program base before attackers ran inside.
Afghan President suspends talks on security pact with U.S.Afghan President suspends talks on security pact with U.S.
Hamid Karzai accused Washington of mixed messages regarding peace talks with the Taliban, his spokesman said.
Russia reportedly starts military hardware deliveries to AzerbaijanRussia reportedly starts military hardware deliveries to Azerbaijan
The deal is estimated at $700mln-$1bln, Vedomosti newspaper reported citing sources in the Russian defense industry.
Outgoing Iranian President summoned to criminal courtOutgoing Iranian President summoned to criminal court
Ahmadinejad will be replaced by Hassan Rowhani as president on August 3 following presidential elections last week.
Partner news
 Articles
Switzerland being filled with wealthy citizens of Kazakh origin

One of the most prominent Kazakh citizens, who found refuge on the shores of Lake Geneva - Victor Khrapunov and his family.

 Most popular in the section
Hong Kong rights advocates rally in support of NSA leaker Snowden
Russian military inspectors to start monitoring flights over U.S.
Russia, U.S. sign deal for Mi-17 helicopters delivery to Afghan army
Egypt cuts ties with Syria, shuts embassy
Home
All news
Overview: World
Archive for November 14, 2012
Other news in this section
 Latest news
Parliament approves amendments to law on minimum wage rate Besides, new scale of salaries will be introduced, according to which the minimum wage rate will be doubled by 2017.
FBI head admits use of drones for surveillance in U.S. The use of such drones is politically charged and civil-rights advocates say there are no clear privacy rules governing their use.
Bombs flatten police station in Libya’s Benghazi Last month the station was set on fire in a possible act of revenge for the killing of a man in an attack on police nearby.
New safety requirements for Japan atomic plants formally approved The new requirements approved by nuclear watchdog will take effect on July 8, when operators will be able to apply for inspections.