Pakistan security forces have arrested a former Taliban defence minister after a raid in the southwestern city of Quetta.
Mullah Obaidullah Akhund, considered a key ally of fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Omar, is the most senior leader from the militia to be arrested since US-led troops forced it from power in 2001.
He was among five Taliban suspects arrested in a raid on a home in the southwestern city of Quetta earlier this week.
Pakistan's English-language Dawnnewspaper reported that Akhund was caught on Monday, the day Vice President Dick Cheney visited Pakistan.
A military intelligence official said Akhund's arrest was a planned operation and was not linked to Mr Cheney's visit.
Pakistan is under growing international pressure to crackdown on Taliban militants believed to seek sanctuary there. It has repeatedly denied claims from Afghan and Western officials that insurgent leaders shelter in Quetta.
AP