German Ministry of Interior Firmly Opposes Taliban Presence in Cologne

This initiative, valued at two billion Afghanis, aims to bolster the region's water resources.

As per the Taliban's disclosure, the proposed dam is expected to reach a height of 50 metres and will be capable of holding approximately 60 million cubic metres of water. This capacity is anticipated to facilitate the irrigation of around 8,000 hectares of agricultural land, potentially enhancing the region's agricultural productivity.

The project's responsibility has been assigned to the group’s Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development. This announcement was broadcast by Radio Television Afghanistan, now under Taliban control.

This development follows the inauguration of the Kamal Khan Dam in the Chahar Burjak district of Nimruz by Ashraf Ghani, the former president of Afghanistan, in March 2021. The Kamal Khan Dam, which was constructed over a period of four years at a cost of USD 78 million, represents a similar endeavour to improve the region's water management and agricultural infrastructure.

Omar revealed he had engaged with various "Afghan ambassadors and diplomats" during his tour, though the identities of these officials were not disclosed. Despite withholding names, Omar promised to release photos of these meetings soon.

Previously, images showcasing Omar's participation in events in the Netherlands and Germany had surfaced, eliciting strong public reactions. The specifics regarding how Omar obtained a visa from a European country remain unclear.

The German Foreign Ministry and the Dutch Health Minister, Ernst Kuipers, have both declared intentions to investigate Omar's visit to their countries. This visit has been contentious, with many critics decrying it as an attempt to legitimise the Taliban, known for their human rights abuses.

A photo depicting Omar alongside Minister Kuipers has been particularly controversial, drawing criticism from figures like Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands. Wilders condemned the photo as a "scandal" and "shameful," criticising Kuipers for being photographed with a member of the Taliban, which he labels as a group of "murderers and extremists."

Kuipers responded to the backlash by expressing his unawareness of Omar's Taliban affiliation at the time of the photo and regretting the interaction. He also announced an investigation into how Omar managed to attend a conference in The Hague.

Kuipers further addressed the issue on the X social platform, admitting that taking the photo was a mistake and something that should have never occurred.

Ali Maisam Nazary, the NRF's Head of Foreign Relations, has urged German authorities to prevent their country from becoming a platform for spreading extremist ideologies and terrorism.

Nazary's comments come in the wake of a controversial speech by Abdul Bari Omar, the Taliban's Food and Drug Administration director, at an Islamic center in Cologne. This event has caused reactions among Afghan expatriates in the city and drawn criticism from German citizens and officials.

Nazary highlighted the dangers of the "genocidal and totalitarian ideology" promoted by Taliban figures like Omar, emphasizing the global threat they pose. The NRF representative called for a unified stand against terrorism amidst rising global concerns.

Omar's presence in Germany has been widely criticized. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, defended Omar's speech, saying it focused on Afghanistan's security and reconstruction. However, Tim Achtermeyer, a member of the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament, condemned the event, expressing dismay over the platform given to the Taliban.

The German Foreign Ministry has also responded, condemning Omar's speech and presence, and investigating his entry into the country. The Ministry clarified that it does not recognize the Taliban government and did not issue a visa to Omar.

The Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs, which owns the building where Omar spoke, stated that their trust was abused. They claimed that an Afghan association had requested the space for a religious ceremony, which unexpectedly turned into a political rally featuring Omar, who was "unknown" to the union.

Despite the controversy, Omar defended the Taliban government in his speech, urging the audience to consider their "achievements" rather than media portrayals. He also shared images and videos of his speech on social media.

On 6 November, the Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency reported Omar's attendance at the World Local Production Forum in The Hague, Netherlands.

The photo, taken in Germany, shows Qaderi alongside Abdul Bari Omar, the Taliban's National Food and Drugs Administration Director, who recently delivered a contentious speech in Cologne, Germany.

Omar, during his visit to an Islamic center in Cologne, lauded the Taliban leadership and government. His speech and presence have sparked significant reactions. The German Foreign Ministry, expressing strong disapproval, is probing Omar's entry into Germany, stating that no visa was issued for him. However, the Taliban's Bakhtar news agency reported Omar's participation in the World Local Production Forum in the Netherlands.

Qaderi, residing in Belgium since 2010 and granted asylum there for two years, regularly endorses Taliban activities on social media, including YouTube. In anticipation of Omar's visit, Qaderi teased "good news and historical events" on a social network while driving in the Netherlands.

In June, Belgian Deputy Minister of Immigration Nicole de Maure called for a reassessment of Qaderi's asylum status, highlighting the contradiction in his support for a regime he allegedly fled. Qaderi, celebrating his actions, posted: 'It is necessary for the Muslim nation to spare their lives and money in this way. Almighty Allah wanted the Muhammadan flag to be officially waved by my hands on the continent of Europe, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar.'"

On Friday, the organisation also demanded the release of other women’s rights activists including Manizha Siddiqi, Zhulia Parsi, Nida Parwani, and university professor Rasoul Parsi,

Parisa Azada was arrested on Wednesday by the Taliban intelligence agency in Dashte Barchi area of Kabul.

The Taliban officials have not commented on the motive behind Azada’s detention.

Amnesty International has warned that the continuation of severe Taliban restrictions and crackdown on women's and girls' rights can amount to crimes against humanity and gender persecution.

Amnesty International has once again called for the formation of an independent international mechanism to hold the Taliban accountable.