Pakistan has freed seven Taliban prisoners as part of a peace deal with Afghanistan.

The release of the captives, who are considered low to mid-level fighters, could be a sign that Pakistan is now willing to jump-start peace talks between the insurgent group and the Afghan government.

"It will improve the trust level and confidence. It will help Kabul find a genuine solution to the problem," Talat Masood, a retired Pakistani army general and defense analyst, said.

"I am sure the released Taliban can play some part in making the peace process a success," he said.

Pakistan is key to the peace deal because of its historical ties to the Taliban and because many of the group's leaders are believed to be based there after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.