Islamabad, Aug.8 (ANI): Pakistan may release a key Afghan Taliban commander to provide impetus to Afghanistan's ongoing reconciliation efforts with the Taliban.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who was captured in Karachi in February 2010, is ranked second to Taliban head Mullah Omar, reports The Express Tribune.

According to U.S. officials, in addition to overseeing the Taliban's military operations, Baradar was the head of the so-called Quetta Shura.

At the time of his arrest, Baradar was believed to be holding peace talks with the Afghan government and also reportedly met President Hamid Karzai.

The Afghan government sought Baradar's release during Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf's recent visit to Kabul, a source said.

Until now, Islamabad has resisted Kabul's demand for access to Baradar and some other key Taliban members, believed to be in Pakistan's custody.

However, sources disclosed that the government has been actively considering the release Baradar to boost Kabul's peace negotiations with insurgents.

The proposal is under consideration and modalities are being worked out, such as how and when to release or extradite the Taliban commander. If his release is being sought for the reconciliation process, then we need to work out a mechanism of how it can be done, said an official, adding that certain legal issues were currently hindering Baradar's release.

Baradar, however, according to the official, is not ready to accept such an arrangement. (ANI)