Pak rejects ISI's link with Taliban

Islamabad: Pakistan has rejected a report claiming that its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence ( ISI) not only funds and trains Taliban fighters in Afghanistan but is officially represented in the group's leadership council.

A Pakistan Army spokesperson termed the report unfounded and baseless, Online news agency said Monday citing a BBC report.

The spokesperson said the allegations were an attempt to defame security agencies and the army.

The report, published in The Sunday Times Sunday, said research strongly suggested that support for the Taliban was the "official policy" of the ISI.

The report also claimed that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari was reported to have visited Taliban prisoners in Pakistan in April, where he is believed to have promised their release and help for militant operations.

"You are our people, we are friends, and after your release we will of course support you to do your operations," Zardari was quoted as saying by The Sunday Times citing a senior Taliban source.