The arrests of Taliban leaders in Pakistan last week have put an end to secret negotiations between the United Nations and the Taliban.

In an interview with the BBC, former UN envoy to Afghanistan Kai Eide, said that communication channels had been cut off by the arrests. It was the first time the Norwegian diplomat had admitted that talks were being carried out with Taliban leaders.

He believes Pakistan is deliberately trying to compromise the negotiations. Pakistan denies this. Kai Eide resigned from the UN post earlier this month.