Over 170 Taliban prisoners freed from Kabul prison

KABUL prisoners have been released from the Pul-i-Charkhi prison, a well-placed source revealed on Tuesday.

Pajhwok Afghan News established contact with spokespersons for the authorities concerned, who said the Attorney General Office (AGO) would provide information in this regard.

Jamshid Rasouli, the AGO spokesman, was asked for information regarding the release of the Taliban prisoners but he said after 1:00pm he would release details.

Javid Ghafoor, spokesman for the High Peace Council (HPC), said he was unaware of the details. The peace body welcomed such moves and expected the Taliban to reciprocate the gesture, he added.

Earlier, President Ashraf Ghani said over 800 Taliban prisoners would be freed from different jails. According to a BBC report, 80 Taliban had been released from different provincial jails.

National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib, during a recent interview to a private television network, had said efforts were being made to ensure the freed Taliban did not return to militancy.

Some circles, however, have expressed concern that the Taliban could return to the insurgency after their release.

nh/mud