Meanwhile, Newsweek reports that Pakistan has released several senior Taliban commanders, including Mullah Obaidullah Akhund, the highest-ranking Taliban official ever captured by the Pakistanis. Taliban sources told the magazine that Akhund was released one day after Musharaf declared martial law. Akhund once served as defense minister for the Taliban and was one of the closest confidants to Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar. The Taliban leaders were released as part of a prisoner exchange.