Pakistan frees Taliban prisoners to help Afghan peace process "In order to further facilitate the Afghan reconciliation process, Pakistan is releasing seven Taliban detainees namely Mansoor Dadullah, Said Wali, Abdul Manan, Karim Agha, Sher Afzal, Gul Muhammad and Muhammad Zai," said the government in a statement. Kabul is pressing in particular for the release Abdul Ghani Baradar, who was deputy leader of the Taliban when he was arrested in the Pakistani city of Karachi in 2010. At the time, he was believed to be a leading voice in favour of peace talks. Analysts believe that his release will be crucial to restoring good will between Kabul and Islamabad, a relationship soured by frequent accusations that Pakistan backs the insurgents. Ismail Qasimyar, adviser on foreign relations on the Afghan High Peace Council, appointed by Mr Karzai to promote reconciliation, said Kabul had given Pakistan a list of detainees it wanted released as part of the president's visit. "The HPC and the Afghan government appreciate the release of anyone from that list," he said. We hope their release turns to a goodwill act and an act of trust building between both sides. We also hope that those who get released from prison will turn into social ambassadors for peace. Attempts to start peace talks in the Qatari capital Doha failed in June, when the Taliban was accused of acting as a government in waiting by opening a political office that resembled an embassy - complete with flag. With international forces due to leave Afghanistan next year, time is running out for a political settlement that would secure a government in Kabul.