Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, has dismissed the possibility of future intra-Afghan dialogue, describing previous negotiations as a “bitter experience” that should not be repeated.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Muttaqi said that the current Taliban government represents the entire nation.
Muttaqi claimed that under Taliban rule, citizens are able to live freely without discrimination based on political beliefs, ethnicity, or regional affiliation. He maintained that there are no threats to individuals who wish to live peacefully under the current system.
Commenting on the Taliban’s relationship with the United States, Muttaqi said that several key provisions of the 2020 Doha Agreement particularly the release of Taliban prisoners have not been fully implemented. He noted delays and inconsistencies in prisoner releases and criticised the continued presence of Taliban leaders on international sanctions lists, despite agreements to lift them.
While acknowledging the recent removal of US bounties on some Taliban officials, he insisted that full delisting has yet to occur. He described a recent visit by a US delegation to Kabul as potentially marking the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations and expressed hope for gradual improvement.
He stated that Taliban has a balanced foreign policy and seeks mutual progress in economic, political, and diplomatic fields.
Taliban Maintains Neutrality in India–Pakistan Tensions
Muttaqi also addressed the group’s position on India–Pakistan relations, stating that the Taliban does not interfere in the bilateral tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. He stated that Taliban doesn’t take side with one nation against another, and added that the group seeks positive diplomatic ties with both countries.
No Domestic Opposition
On internal security and political opposition, Muttaqi asserted that no organised opposition groups currently exist within Afghanistan and added that those who oppose the the Taliban live abroad Afghanistan and act individually, not as part of any political movement.
He further stated that there are no significant threats to Taliban authority from within and extended an invitation to exiled Afghans, including former political opponents, to return and engage with the Taliban without facing retribution.
