ISLAMABAD, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday demanded Afghan Government to hand over a senior Pakistani Taliban leader who was arrested by the Afghan authorities this week, local media reported.
Afghan intelligence officials have confirmed to the media the arrest of Maulvi Faqir Muhammad, former deputy of Pakistani Taliban, in eastern Afghanistan.
Faqir, who had been chief of Taliban in Bajaur tribal region, had fled to Afghanistan after the 2008 military operation in his area.
He was suspected to be behind attacks on Pakistan forces in Bajaur and later launching attacks on Pakistani border posts from Afghan soil.
Foreign Office Spokesman Moazam Khan said at his weekly briefing on Thursday that Islamabad has called for extradition of Maulvi Faqir and other Pakistani Taliban who are involved in terrorist activities.
The spokesman said that Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar talked to her Afghan counterpart Zalmay Rassoul last night.
The Afghan Foreign Minister confirmed capture of Maulvi Faqir Muhammad and Hina Rabbani Khar hoped that he would be handed over to Pakistan as soon as possible as he has blood of so many innocent Pakistanis on his hands.
Replying to a question, the spokesman also hoped that Afghanistan would "capture all those engaged in anti-Pakistan activities as well and hand them over to us."
To another question, the spokesman said Pakistan is supportive of efforts aimed at peaceful and stable Afghanistan but these should be transparent and Afghanistan should not be used against Pakistan.
Speaking of the Iran gas pipeline project, the spokesman said Pakistan is enormously energy deficient and it is in its national interest to have this project. He said Pakistan is committed to pursue the project and there should be no doubt about it.
To another question he said Pakistan knows Americans have reservations over the project as they have unilaterally imposed sanctions on Iran but in view of its utility and importance, Pakistan is determined to go ahead with the project.
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