Police Arrest Senior Taliban Leader In Peshawar 

Pakistani police have arrested Hafez Mohibullah, a senior member of the Afghan Taliban, reports BBC News. 

Mohibullah, who served as religious affairs minister during the rule of the Taliban, was detained in Peshawar, sources said Tuesday. He has been living in the city for several years, according to Taliban sources. 

The arrest comes ahead of a visit by Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special representative for Afghan reconciliation. 

The U.S. has long urged Pakistan to increase its efforts against Taliban militants who use Pakistani territory to stage attacks on Afghan targets. 

The move could be aimed at increasing pressure on militants amid ongoing peace talks, said two high-ranking Taliban members.

Despite negotiations led by the U.S., the Taliban has refused to meet with Afghan officials, who they consider American "puppets." 

The Taliban has also said that it will only meet with Afghan officials once a firm date for the withdrawal of U.S. forces is set.

It could also be part of an effort to demonstrate Pakistani contributions in the fight against terror. In September 2018, the U.S. announced that it was holding back US$300 million in aid to Pakistan over Islamabad's perceived inaction against terrorists and extremists.