Pakistani security forces near the Afghan border (file photo)
4 October 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Pakistani security forces have arrested Abdul Latif Hakimi, the purported chief spokesman for Afghanistan's ousted Taliban.
Speaking to RFE/RL's Afghan Service, Interior Minister Aftab Shir Pao today confirmed Hakimi's arrest, but did not disclose further details, including where Hakimi had been found.
"At this time I can say that Abdul Latif Hakimi, the chief spokesman of Taliban has been arrested today. At this time I can not give more detailed information," Shir Pao said.
In an interview with the private TV station GEO, Shir Pao called Hakimi's arrest a "big success" for Pakistan's law-enforcement agencies.
In Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai's office welcomed the news and thanked Pakistan for the arrest.
Hakimi has often spoken on behalf of the Taliban, mostly claiming responsibility for attacks against U.S.-led coalition forces.
(With agencies)
See also:
Neo-Taliban Free To Communicate With Media
More news and analysis on Afghanistan
"At this time I can say that Abdul Latif Hakimi, the chief spokesman of Taliban has been arrested today. At this time I can not give more detailed information," Shir Pao said.
In an interview with the private TV station GEO, Shir Pao called Hakimi's arrest a "big success" for Pakistan's law-enforcement agencies.
In Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai's office welcomed the news and thanked Pakistan for the arrest.
Hakimi has often spoken on behalf of the Taliban, mostly claiming responsibility for attacks against U.S.-led coalition forces.
(With agencies)
See also:
Neo-Taliban Free To Communicate With Media
More news and analysis on Afghanistan