ISLAMABAD – Pakistan released two Taliban officials on Monday during USenvoy Zalmay Khalilzad’s latest visit to the region, in what could be partof American efforts to revive peace talks with the insurgent group, whichnow controls nearly half of Afghanistan.
Abdul Samad Sani, a US-designated terrorist who served as the AfghanCentral Bank governor during the militants’ rule in the late 1990s, and alower-ranking commander named Salahuddin, were released Monday, accordingto two Taliban officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because theywere not authorized to brief media. There was no immediate comment from thePakistani government.
Khalilzad is on his second regional tour since being appointed, with stopsin Pakistan, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates as well as Qatar, wherethe Taliban maintain a political office. The insurgents say they metKhalilzad in Qatar last month. Khalilzad arrived in the region lastThursday and will return to Washington on Nov. 20.
