Afghanistan’s Taliban releases detained Pakistani soldiers as Ramadan begins

KABUL: The Taliban authorities said they have released three Pakistani soldiers detained during last year’s border clashes, describing the move as a goodwill gesture coinciding with the start of the holy month of Ramadan. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban administration, said the soldiers were handed over to a delegation from Saudi Arabia in Kabul. Mujahid said the release was carried out in response to a request from Saudi Arabia and aimed at strengthening relations with other countries. He added that the timing was deliberately linked to the beginning of Ramadan. The soldiers were detained in October last year following clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani troops near the disputed Durand Line, an incident that heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and led to the temporary closure of key border crossings. The shutdown of transit routes disrupted trade between the two countries, with merchants saying the closures contributed to price increases in local markets. Despite mediation efforts by several countries, no final agreement has yet been reached to resolve the broader disputes between Kabul and Islamabad. One of the key points of contention remains the presence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. Pakistan says the group operates from Afghan territory, a claim the Taliban deny, describing it as an internal Pakistani issue. The release of the three soldiers comes as Ramadan begins in Afghanistan and several other Muslim countries, a move some observers see as a signal of efforts to ease tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.