Former Taliban official released by UAE ahead of revived peace talks

The UAE government has released from jail a former Taliban official, who is expected to play his role in reviving the stalled peace talks with the Afghan government.

A source close to the Taliban told Pajhwok Afghan News in Dubai on Wednesday the UAE government had detained few months ago Abdul Rahman Zahid, who was deputy foreign minister during the Taliban regime.

The source said after investigation, the UAE authorities released Zahid few days ago and he was currently staying in Dubai.

He said Zahid had been detained due to misunderstanding and the UAE government had apologised to Zahid over his detention and allowed him to stay in Dubai.

A large number of former Taliban leaders are living in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.

Meanwhile, other sources said Abdul Rahman Zahid was expected to play his role in the second round of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

The second round of talks between the two sides is expected to take place next month in Pakistan.

Pakistan army chief, Gen. Raheel Sharif, had visited Afghanistan and met President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah on December 27.

The two sides also agreed to resume the peace process with a mutually agreed quadrilateral framework including China and United States.

The advisor to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz on Wednesday said a meeting of the quadrilateral committee was called on January 10 in Islamabad to discuss the Afghan reconciliation process.