Pakistan authorities said they will let go the highest-ranking Taliban member they have in prison, as a means of jump-starting peace talks.
A senior Pakistani government official said the Taliban member may be released as early as this month, The Associated Press reported. The Afghan government has been requesting the release of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar for years; he’s been imprisoned since 2010, when the CIA helped with a raid at key spots in Karachi.
The adviser to the Pakistani prime minister of national security and foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz, said the government will soon set a date for his release, AP reported.
“It is part of confidence-building measures, and we are hopeful he can play a role,” Mr. Aziz said.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan welcomed the news.
“We believe his release will help the Afghan peace process,” said the country’s foreign ministry spokesman in the AP report.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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