US News

Taliban freed in peace bid

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan released eight members of the Afghan Taliban from prison yesterday, including the former justice minister under the militant group’s reign, in a bid to boost the peace process in neighboring Afghanistan, the government said.

Pakistan is seen as a lynchpin in efforts to bring about peace in Afghanistan as foreign troops plan to depart the country in 2014. Kabul has been pressing its neighbor to release more prisoners, who it hopes would bring the Taliban to the negotiating table before American troops go home.

The Pakistanis appear to have an interest in promoting peace across the border, as a resumption of the civil war there could bring harsh consequences on its side as well.

“We have released some more Taliban prisoners today as our help in the peace process in Afghanistan,” Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Khan said.

It was not clear what role the freed men might play in bringing Taliban leaders to the negotiating table.