Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Afghanistan

Pakistani Security Forces Arrest Taliban Spokesman

Pakistani security forces near the Afghan border (file photo)

4 October 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Pakistani security forces have arrested Abdul Latif Hakimi, the purported chief spokesman for Afghanistan's ousted Taliban.

TEXT SIZE - +

October 04, 2005

Speaking to RFE/RL's Afghan Service, Interior Minister Aftab Shir Pao today confirmed Hakimi's arrest, but did not disclose further details, including where Hakimi had been found.

"At this time I can say that Abdul Latif Hakimi, the chief spokesman of Taliban has been arrested today. At this time I can not give more detailed information," Shir Pao said.

In an interview with the private TV station GEO, Shir Pao called Hakimi's arrest a "big success" for Pakistan's law-enforcement agencies.

In Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai's office welcomed the news and thanked Pakistan for the arrest.

Hakimi has often spoken on behalf of the Taliban, mostly claiming responsibility for attacks against U.S.-led coalition forces.

(With agencies)

See also:

Neo-Taliban Free To Communicate With Media

More news and analysis on Afghanistan

A vendor in the central Bosnian town of Zenica sells heart-shaped cushions with proclamations of love for 1 euro each.

Love It (Or Hate It), It's Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, the Western holiday celebrating love, has become a global phenomenon over the past two decades. The fall of communism and the emergence of the Internet have helped February 14 become something of an unofficial international day of romance. However, not all the passions the holiday stirs are related to love. While some countries have openly embraced the holiday, others are attempting to ban it or replace it with local customs. More

Gasoline prices have risen dramatically in Pakistan in recent years

In Pakistan, Cleaner Fuel Powers Supply, Safety Issues

Rising fuel prices have pushed Pakistan to become a global leader in using compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel vehicles. More

Family members of missing Baluchs, mostly political activists, rally in protest on the eve of international Human Rights Day in Quetta, Balochistan, on December 10, 2011.

U.S. Hearing On Balochistan Raises Hackles, Awareness In Pakistan

The U.S. Congressional hearing last week on Balochistan, the largest of Pakistan's four provinces, though it was firmly rejected by Islamabad, is being seen in Pakistan as any eye-opener for the state and its security agencies. More