Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban’s political representative in Qatar, has welcomed discussions around granting the group Afghanistan’s seat at the United Nations, describing Taliban representation at the UN as both a “necessity” and a “right.”
In recent remarks, Shaheen argued that appointing a Taliban envoy to the UN could contribute to resolving “various issues” facing Afghanistan and the international community. His comments come amid growing speculation that the UN is exploring frameworks for engagement with the Taliban.
Earlier, Afghanistan International cited reliable sources indicating that diplomats from the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had held internal consultations on a possible political framework, which included discussions around assigning the UN seat to Shaheen.
According to these sources, the proposal reportedly includes conditions from both sides: the UN may ask the Taliban to form an inclusive government, dismantle terrorist networks, and lift restrictions on education for women and girls. In exchange, the Taliban have reportedly demanded formal recognition of their regime, the lifting of international sanctions, and the unfreezing of Afghanistan’s financial assets.
The reports have triggered strong reactions.
Naseer Ahmad Faiq, the acting permanent representative of Afghanistan to the UN, has firmly rejected claims that any such transfer of the UN seat is under consideration. He stated that there is “no agreement or proposal” currently being discussed within the United Nations or among member states to hand over Afghanistan’s representation to the Taliban.
Fawzia Koofi, a former member of the Afghan parliament, also criticised what she called “behind closed doors” negotiations between UNAMA and the Taliban. She emphasised that any political roadmap for Afghanistan must be inclusive, transparent, and reflect the will and needs of the Afghan people.
