Geneva, March 11: A Swiss newspaper claimed on Sunday
that the Taliban's former Defense Minister was free two days
after his reported capture by Pakistani security forces.
The Swiss weekly Sonntagsblick said one of its
reporters spoke to Mullah Obaidullah Akhund on February 28
unhindered in an Islamic School in the southwestern city of
Quetta.
Akhund, considered a key ally of fugitive Taliban
leader Mullah Omar, was the most senior leader from the
hard-line militia to be reported arrested since US-led
troops ousted it from power in 2001.
Several Pakistani intelligence officials, speaking on
condition of anonymity, said earlier this month that he was
among five Taliban suspects arrested on February 26 in a raid
on a Quetta home. However, Pakistani government officials at
that time did not confirm any arrest publicly, and one senior
interior ministry official who handles counterterrorism
issues denied a top Taliban figure was captured.
Pakistani officials could not be reached for comment
late today on the Swiss newspaper's claim.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, March 11, 2007, 00:00