Taliban FM Expresses Desire For 'Meaningful Participation' In Doha Meeting

This closure, detailed in an announcement on X, will halt all cargo and pedestrian movements across these borders on February 8.

Movement through these international borders is scheduled to resume on Friday, February 9, as per the ministry's statement.

Previously, Pakistani customs authorities indicated that the nation's border checkpoints with Afghanistan would shut down for a 24-hour period starting at midnight on Thursday.

The parliamentary elections in Pakistan, set for Thursday, February 8, are being held under the shadow of potential security threats.

This decision to close the northern and western borders of Pakistan was made in the aftermath of two fatal bombings in Balochistan province on Wednesday, which resulted in at least 22 fatalities and numerous injuries.

In response to these security concerns, Balochistan has recently proclaimed a state of emergency to ensure the smooth conduct of the national elections.

Noor shared details of this meeting on his X social media platform, highlighting the emphasis on strengthening political faction ranks as a crucial strategy for "defeating the common enemy”.

Sources indicate that Atta Mohammad Noor travelled to Ankara, Turkey, to meet Salahuddin Rabbani, a gathering aimed at coordinating efforts among Taliban opponents.

As leaders of separate branches of the Jamiat-e-Islami Party of Afghanistan, Noor and Rabbani, along with several party members, parted ways in March 2021 due to a leadership dispute within the party.

During this timeframe, both Noor and Rabbani considered themselves as the leaders of the primary faction of the Jamiat-e-Islami Party.

Noor stated in a note that their discussions encompassed the political landscape in Afghanistan, and the two sides mutually agreed on the need for coordination among political factions to address the "critical situation”.

Mujahid suggested that instead, such pressures fortify the bond between the populace and the Taliban.

This statement was made at a symposium organised by the Taliban's Ministry of Borders and Tribal Affairs, focused on "Strengthening the Islamic System and National Unity," held at the Loya Jirga Hall.

Mujahid criticised the opposition’s political leaders, accusing them of exploiting ethnic sentiments to the detriment of national interests.

He urged the Afghan population to reject any individual or group fostering sedition.

Taliban media outlets reported from the meeting and highlighted Mujahid's claim about past efforts to sow discord among Afghans, which he noted had achieved partial success, though specific projects were not mentioned.

Additionally, Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, the Minister of Vice and Virtue, reiterated the Taliban's stance against division, asserting the regime's commitment to unity across ethnic lines. Hanafi also boasted of the Taliban's achievements in eradicating poppy cultivation and addressing drug addiction issues within the country.

The Iranian envoy told state-controlled Ufogh TV that Afghanistan, although geographically distant from Gaza, is considered part of the "Axis of Resistance”.

Iranian government designates the groups it supports, along with others combating the Western coalition and Israel in the region, as the "Axis of Resistance.”

In response to whether he was referring to "the people of Afghanistan" or "Afghanistan under the rule of the Taliban," Qomi stated that Afghanistan has been engaged in a 40-year war against the "occupier”, emphasising that this war is not specific to one nation or group.

While Iran supports Hamas and other Palestinian groups against Israel, the Taliban regime has primarily limited itself to issuing statements against "Israel's crimes" and organising small rallies in support of the people of Gaza.

In a meeting with Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister, Sinirlioglu said that the Taliban must be committed to international laws.

The Taliban has propagated this matter, while the UN stated that various armed factions, such as the National Resistance Front and the Afghanistan Freedom Front, are actively engaged in efforts to oust the Taliban government.

According to the Taliban's announcement, Sinirlioglu in the meeting said that significant decisions regarding Afghanistan will be made at the forthcoming Doha meeting.

The UN Special Coordinator for Afghanistan, as per the statement, emphasised that the international community, including the United States and European countries, expressed a keen interest in establishing relations with the Taliban.

Also, Sinirlioglu has said that the World Bank will hold a meeting regarding Afghanistan in the near future.

In this meeting, Abdul Kabir stressed about on the imperative for the Doha meeting to address crucial matters such as the reconstruction of Afghanistan, the provision of humanitarian aid, and the removal of banking sanctions.

Sinirlioglu had previously met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the foreign minister of the Taliban, and discussed the Doha meeting.

Muttaqi stated that his decision to participate in the meeting would be contingent on receiving information about the agenda and composition of the gathering.

The Doha meeting about Afghanistan is scheduled to be held on 18 and 19 of February.