Pakistan fully supported, facilitated Western hostages’ release by Taliban in Afghanistan: PM

• The two professors held captive by Taliban were swapped in place of three Taliban leaders in Afghan government's custody.
• PM said Pakistan 'welcomes' release of Profs Kevin King and Timothy Weeks.

Welcoming the release of two Western hostages by the Taliban on Tuesday, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan said that Pakistan fully supported and facilitated this release.

The two hostages, Kevin King a US citizen and Timothy Weeks an Australian, are professors, who were held captive by Taliban since August 2016. They were kidnapped when gunmen ambushed their vehicle in central Kabul and abducted them. They have been released in exchange for three prisoners in Afghan government's custody.

In a tweet on his personal Twitter handle, the PM said Pakistan appreciate steps taken by all involved to make it possible. He further said that Pakistan has fully supported and facilitated the release as part of the international community working to bring peace and end the suffering of the Afghan people.

"We hope this step gives a boost of confidence to all parties involved to re-engage in the peace process. Pakistan remains committed to facilitating this peace process," the PM tweeted.

as part of its policy of supporting initiatives for a negotiated political settlement of the Afghan conflict. We hope this step gives a boost of confidence to all parties involved to re-engage in the peace process. Pakistan remains committed to facilitating this peace process.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2019

The three Taliban leaders, who have been swapped by the Afghan government in exchange of western hostages, include key militant figure Anas Haqqani. The Taliban leaders brought to Qatar, meanwhile, King and Weeks were flown out of Zabul in Afghanistan by American helicopters, international media reported.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had announced the prisoner swap on live television last week and said it would help bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.