Top Taliban leader Mullah Baradar who now leads the peace efforts with the US, was released by Pakistan at the behest of the Trump Administration, a US envoy said.

The special envoy on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, told a Washington audience that Pakistan had a very crucial role to play in the reconciliation process with the Taliban but has “historically not played a positive role”.

But there is “a positive change” in Pakistan’s attitude in recent times, he said when asked about the role of Islamabad in his ongoing efforts to bring peace in this war-ravaged country.

“We always would like Pakistan, like other countries to do more, but we appreciate what they have done so far and I have indicated and Secretary, Pompeo and the president that we want to have good relations with Pakistan, better relations with Pakistan,” he said in response to a question.

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and his successor President Ashraf Ghani have said that Baradar can play a pivotal role in the peace process and that he has tried to facilitate talks between the Taliban and the US, Khalilzad said.

“What they do on Afghanistan to facilitate peace and reconciliation, which has been a burden on the relationship, that will be removed,” he added.