ISLAMABAD: The Taliban on Monday denied reports that Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, the co-founder of the Taliban movement, has been released from Pakistan’s custody.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson of the group, told Arab News that there is no credibility in the media reports. “Mullah Baradar has not been released. All these reports are untrue.”
On Monday, certain sections of the Pakistani media, quoting what they described as “reliable sources”, said that Mullah Baradar had been released from custody.
Reports of his release first surfaced after the meeting between US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and the political bureau of Taliban in Doha, Qatar.
Mullah Baradar — also known as Mullah Brother — was arrested by Pakistani security forces in Karachi in February 2010. He was the deputy of former Taliban supreme leader Mullah Mohammed Omar and was among four who had founded the group in 1994.
Taliban dismisses reports of co-founder’s release as ‘fake news’
Updated 22 October 2018
Taliban dismisses reports of co-founder’s release as ‘fake news’
- Spokesperson says media piece lacks credibility
- Mullah Baradar was arrested by Pakistan security forces in 2010
