Islamabad, Feb 12: The local Taliban, who claimed to have abducted Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan Tariq Azeezuddin, on Tuesday demanded release of their leader Mullah Mansoor Dadullah against the release of the envoy.

According to a Bureau Chief of an Arab TV channel, local Taliban are ready to free Ambassador Azeezuddin in exchange for Mansoor Dadullah.

Dadullah was wounded and arrested in a shootout with security forces in southwestern Pakistan on Monday

Authorities in Pakistan have beefed up a search operation for Azeezudin.

Azeezuddin, his driver and a security guard was going to Kabul from his hometown Peshawar. (ANI)