Afghan Peace Talks On Hold After Taliban Chief Death

Peace talks scheduled this week between the Afghan government and the Taliban have been postponed. 



The second round of direct talks was scheduled to be held in Islamabad on Friday but Pakistan's Foreign Office said the delay was prompted by news of Taliban chief Mullah Mohammad Omar's death. 



"In view of the reports regarding the death of Mulla Omar and the resulting uncertainty, and at the request of the Afghan Taliban leadership, the second round of the Afghan peace talks... is being postponed," read statement from the foreign office.



"Pakistan and other friendly countries of Afghanistan hope that the Taliban leadership will stay engaged in the process of peace talks in order to promote a lasting peace in Afghanistan."



The Afghan government announced Mullah Omar's death on Wednesday, though it said the reclusive militant leader had actually died in Pakistan two years ago. 



The news plunged the Taliban into a search for a new leader and raised concerns that potential disunity over leadership could damage the prospect of successful peace talks, which only began in July. - Lahor