Jailed Taliban militants freed in Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan, March 20 (UPI) -- The release of 20 jailed Taliban militants was carried out to improve the ongoing peace process in Pakistan's Swat valley, authorities said Friday.

Pakistan authorities said the militants, which included Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan's brother, were part of last month's peace agreement between the North-West Frontier Provincial government and the Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariah Muhammadi militant group, the Press Trust of India said.

The prisoners, who were presented to a peace committee, were released a day after Taliban officials demanded a total of 210 prisoners be freed.

Since the peace agreement was reached, more than 30 Taliban militants have been released from custody in Pakistan.

NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti is dedicated to the peace process in the Swat valley, the Associated Press of Pakistan said.

"We will continue to wage our struggle for peace despite all odds and will make the frontier province heaven on Earth," the provincial leader said.