Pakistan has welcomed the release of two hostages - one American and another Australian - by Afghan government in a swap for three Taliban prisoners on Tuesday.

The two professors, Kevin King from the United States and Timothy Weeks from Australia, were released hours after the Afghan government freed three Taliban prisoners and sent them to Qatar. Anas Haqqani, the younger brother of the Taliban's deputy chief Sirajuddin Haqqani, is also among the three freed Taliban prisoners.

Prime Minister Imran Khan took to the Twitter to welcome the development and stated that Pakistan has fully supported and facilitated the swap.

"Pakistan welcomes release of Profs Kevin King & Timothy Weeks in Afghanistan. We appreciate steps taken by all involved to make it possible. As part of the international community working to bring peace and end the suffering of the Afghan people, Pakistan has fully supported and facilitated this release," Prime Minister Khan stated in a tweet. He further stated: "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."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019