ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will release former Afghan Taliban second-in-command, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, as soon as this month to help advance peace efforts in neighbouring Afghanistan, Pakistan's foreign policy chief said on Tuesday.
"In principle, we have agreed to release him. The timing is being discussed. It should be very soon ... I think within this month," Sartaj Aziz, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's adviser on foreign affairs, told Reuters.
Aziz added Baradar would not be handed over to Afghanistan directly as some in Kabul had hoped, and would be instead released straight into Pakistan.
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@Babashakkari: Every person is entitled to have his/her opinion and its not necessary for the others to conform with it. I am not seeking any alcercation with anyone however I feel that Afghan affairs has always brought misery to us and vice versa. My feeling is that it is not going to be different. It does not mean that he is personally going to do that. By the way I'm not the only one who has shown fears like that (see all the comments).
@Fiz:
"are you spokes person of Mullah Baradar?"
No, I am just a well informed individual who likes to do some research on current news and affairs. Refuse to take news at face value and likes to analyse them from more than one angle.
Why do you ask? Also would you care to elaborate your statement and how did you come to that conclusion? "So that he can wreck more terrorism in Pakistan."
@Babashakkari: are you spokes person of Mullah Baradar?
@Fiz:
Afghan Taliban are not really responsible for terrorists in Pakistan, They are actually supported by Pakistan. On the other hand Pakistani Taliban (TTP in particular) is against Pakistan and is supported by Afghanistan and its allies. SO both countries have proxies in each others land.
Begging for peace?
*Aziz added Baradar would not be handed over to Afghanistan directly as some in Kabul had hoped, and would be instead released straight into Pakistan So that he can wreck more terrorism in Pakistan.
@Reader: How many Pakistanis kidnapped by Taliban has ever been released or returned? And how many Taliban that Pakistan captured has it been able to convict?
dearest so called liberals, you opposition to this decision is just for opposition by opposition and nothing. like other talibans and innocent afghan muslims, no charges proved against him. no evidences against him. nor he taken to any court, no hearing made against him. so why he is being punished?
Its part of "talk to Talliban" initiative
There is no Talliban leader left to talk to, Drones killed most of them. So release a big leader and then talk to him.
makes sense untill baradar turns his back on pakistan.
Looks like the APC is bearing fruit already
Release all murderers [shahzaib's] and terrorists [ mullah B] .......... at least someone is benefiting while we spin downwards!
@Jat:
Just to educate you on this matter.
Pakistan wanted to keep him in custody so they can negotiate on his behalf with US/Afghans while he is in their custody. Afghan government wanted to deal with him directly and his release was repeatedly requested by Afghan government.
Karzai had asked Pakistan several times to release him so he can talk with him. Knowing they cannot win, lately Afghan gov and US both are all about talking to Taliban. Qatar office for Taliban was part of the same plan. Now there are talks about a Saudi or Turkish office for Taliban. PS he also belongs to same Popalzai tribe as Karzai himself. Karzai standing will rise amongst his tribesmen, because he is going to claim that his efforts got him released, and in a society where tribal kinships overrule all other ideologies this is a great achievement for Karzai.
So if Pakistan surrendered to anyone it is to Afghan requests.
Good step by Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif must be commended for this. Afghan nation hopes that Nawaz gov will also honor other promises.
Abject surrender of Pakistan forces to these barbarous terrorists.
So he will get a Pakistani work visa I assume
Please also send back about 2 Million Afghan Refugees. They have overstayed Pakistan's hospitality
wth, Is it teh requirement put forwarded by TTP or what? Why would we release a terrorist in the first place
If Pakistan is not handing him (mullah baradar) over to Afghanistan then pakistan has no right to complain,of his inevitable terrorism in pakistan. And pakistan will have no answer to Afghanistan as well because of the terrorism caused by mullah baradar,as the afghans want him in their custody.
This is first gift to peaceful afghanistan.
Why would you release an Afghan Taliban straight in to Pakistan? What in God's name is wrong with you?
"Aziz added Baradar would not be handed over to Afghanistan directly as some in Kabul had hoped, and would be instead released straight into Pakistan"
We should not be surpised at continued terrorism