“We have released him on the request of the Afghan President Mr. Hamid Karzai, as he has claimed that he (Baradar) could play an important role in establishing contacts between the high peace council and the Afghan Taliban” a senior aide to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told NBC News on Saturday.

But those close to the situation said it is doubtful Baradar still has the political clout to play such a pivotal role after three years of detention.

The Afghan Taliban have refused to hold any talks with the Afghan government.

“We do not recognize the Karzai government, and he is puppet of U.S.,” an Afghan Taliban commander close to Mullah Omar told NBC News.

The commander said that Baradar has no role to play in any process for facilitating talks.