In-focus

Pakistan

Afghan officials hold talks with Mullah Baradar

Dunya News

Baradar has been in detention since he was captured in a joint operation in 2010.

Afghan officials haveheld secret talks with the Talibans former second in commandwho is in detention in Pakistan in a move which could helprekindle stalled peace talks with the insurgents, according tosenior officials from both countries.Afghan officials have often seen Pakistan as a reluctantpartner in attempts to broker talks with the Taliban but itsdecision to grant access to Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar maysignal Islamabads willingness to play a more active role.Rangin Spanta, the national security adviser to AfghanPresident Hamid Karzai and an architect of peace-buildingefforts, said an Afghan delegation had met Baradar in Pakistantwo months ago.Baradar has been in detention since he was captured in ajoint operation by the CIA and Pakistani intelligence agents inthe Pakistani city of Karachi in 2010.We have met Mullah Baradar, Spanta told Reuters in Kabul.Our delegation has spoken to him to know his view on peacetalks.Afghan officials have publicly been demanding access toBaradar, the Talibans top military commander until he wascaptured, but Spantas revelation shows preliminary contact hasalready been made.Rehman Malik, Pakistans interior minister, also said thatPakistan had granted Afghan officials access to Baradar.They had access at the required and appropriate level,Malik told Reuters.We are fully cooperating with Afghanistan and whatever theyare asking for the peace process, for developing peace inAfghanistan. We are giving every kind of help.Pakistan is seen as crucial to stability in Afghanistan asmost foreign combat troops look to leave the country in 2014,given close political and economic ties and because militantsanctuaries straddle the mountainous border.Baradar was the main day-to-day commander responsible forleading the Taliban campaign against U.S. and NATO troops,plotting suicide bombings and other attacks.He was the right-hand man to reclusive Taliban leader MullahMohammed Omar, who gave him the nickname Baradar (brother),providing him with great influence and prestige in Talibancircles.