Prior to the release of former Afghan Taliban deputy chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from Pakistan, the United States has said that it is important that coordination between Islamabad and Kabul takes place in order to ensure that such releases are made in a responsible manner.
“The release of Taliban prisoners, including Baradar, has been a matter of ongoing discussion between Pakistan and Afghanistan in order to promote peace as part of this reconciliation process,” said the State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf.
Baradar has been in the custody of Pakistani security agencies since his capture in Karachi in 2010. He will be the highest ranking Afghan Taliban prisoner freed so far.
His release was personally sought by Karzai during a recent visit to Islamabad. Analysts are skeptical as to whether Baradar will be able to influence the peace process, but the Afghan government thinks he could lead talks with the High Peace Council.