Reports Say Afghan Officials Met With Former Taliban Commander

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was captured in February 2010.

According to media reports on August 12, Afghan government officials have held secret talks with detained former high-ranking Taliban commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.

Reuters news agency cited Afghan national security adviser Rangin Spanta as saying the talks were held in Pakistan two months ago.

Baradar has been detained since he was captured in Karachi by U.S. and Pakistani forces in 2010.

Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik confirmed the meeting took place.

Baradar was a close associate of Taliban leader Mullah Muhammed Omar, and Afghan officials have expressed the hope he could play an important role in facilitating possible peace talks between the government and the Taliban.
Based on reporting by Reuters and the "Jerusalem Post"