WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE THE HOSTAGE FULL
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE THE HOSTAGE TV

A headless Taliban? While Baradar remains in Kandahar, the whereabouts of Haibatullah Akhunzada are still not known. The Spectator report said that ISI chief ensured that all key positions in the new Afghanistan government went to Pakistani loyalists, principally from the hardline Haqqani network, while those who led the Doha negotiations were downgraded. Incidently, Baradar had spent about eight years in a Pakistan prison before the Trump administration facilitated his release to participate in peace talks. The people aware of the developments said the head of Pakistan’s ISI head Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, who was in Kabul during the discussions, backed the Haqqanis over Baradar. Other reports said there was gunfire during the fight in which a number of people were killed and injured.

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE THE HOSTAGE FULL

The Spectator said that a violent fight ensued between the supporters of Baradar and Haqqani, with 'furniture as well as large thermos flasks full of hot green tea being thrown around'. But at one point during the meeting, Khalil ul Rahman Haqqani rose from his chair and began punching the Taliban leader.

It is not known what exactly angered the Haqqani network - a US-designated terrorist organisation. It is reported that Baradar wanted more roles for Afghanistan's minorities and argued that the country's flag should fly alongside Taliban's. The big step down happened during discussions with Haqqanis where things got heated. Following the talks, he was relegated to the deputy PM's post.

Baradar, the big loser? It is said that Baradar was the principal loser during negotiations to form the government in Afghanistan since he was earlier tipped to be the head of the new dispensation.

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE THE HOSTAGE TV

'He has held a large meeting of tribal elders who support him, but at the same time was forced to read a statement on the state-run TV network, which has been taken over by the Taliban,' The Spectator reported. But observers told UK-based magazine The Spectator that the message appeared to be more of a hostage video. He recently resurfaced in Kandahar to deliver a video message to scotch rumours that he was seriously injured in the attack. Baradar has barely been seen since he was reportedly involved in a violent clash with the Haqqanis during government formation talks. NEW DELHI: Is Afghanistan deputy prime minister Mullah Baradar being held hostage in Kandahar? Has Taliban chief Haibatullah Akhunzada died? An air of secrecy surrounds the two Taliban leaders who were initially tipped to be No.1 and 2 in Afghanistan's latest power structure.

Wanted dead or alive the hostage