At Least 10 Afghan Prisoners Executed In Iran In June, Says Rights Group

Speaking at the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit on Friday, 5 July, Mirziyoyev welcomed the participation of a delegation from Afghanistan’s interim government, led by Taliban Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.

He said that after a long pause, a delegation from Afghanistan’s "interim administration" is attending the summit.

This marks the first time in four years that the Taliban have been invited to an ECO heads-of-state summit. The summit was hosted in the city of Khankendi, Azerbaijan.

President Mirziyoyev did not comment on Russia’s recent move to formally recognise the Taliban government.

Speaking at the 17th ECO Summit on Friday, Baradar claimed that Russia had acknowledged the Taliban due to what he described as the group's “balanced, economy-focused foreign policy.” He argued that the Taliban administration has created new opportunities for development and regional connectivity.

Baradar said the Taliban are prepared to collaborate with ECO countries on implementing strategic projects across the region. He voiced strong support for the proposed North–South Corridor in Asia, calling it a potential “new chapter” in strengthening economic cooperation and integration among member states.

This marks the first time in four years that the Taliban have been invited to attend an ECO heads-of-state summit. During his remarks, Baradar urged member countries to contribute to the reconstruction and expansion of regional transit routes through Afghanistan. He also proposed that Kabul host the next ECO summit.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made the remarks in response to a question about whether Putin was preparing for talks with the Taliban leadership.

At present, there are no such plans, Peskov said adding that, however, within the framework of bilateral relations, contacts at various levels will continue.

While Moscow has increased its engagement with the Taliban in recent months, including accepting a Taliban-appointed ambassador, Peskov’s comments indicate that top-level communication remains off the table for now.

Informed sources told Afghanistan International on Friday that the detainees include Gul Ahmad Shahin, the Taliban-appointed police chief of Khash; Qari Nawid, head of criminal investigations; and Qari Wajid, another local commander. The three men were reportedly arrested for refusing to suppress protesters and allegedly siding with local residents.

The Taliban have also launched search operations in the district, leading many civilians to flee to the surrounding mountains, according to local sources.

In addition to detaining their own officials, Taliban forces have arrested several residents and community elders, including Mawlawi Roh-ul-Bayan, an influential local cleric. They are accused of organising and encouraging the anti-Taliban demonstrations.

All detainees have reportedly been transferred to Fayzabad, the capital of Badakhshan province. The Taliban’s local administration has not issued any official comment regarding the arrests.

The unrest began earlier this week when Taliban forces attempted to eradicate poppy crops in Khash. The operation triggered a wave of public anger and led to clashes in which at least eight people were killed and dozens wounded, according to eyewitnesses and hospital sources.

On Thursday, the Taliban reportedly arrested at least 37 individuals in connection with the protests. Local sources say the main market in Khash remains closed and that Taliban fighters are mistreating civilians. Residents are reportedly staying indoors for fear of arrest, while Taliban units continue to monitor and patrol the area intensively.

The incident underscores growing tensions between Taliban forces and communities in northern Afghanistan, where local resistance to the group’s policies particularly regarding poppy eradication has been mounting.

In a statement issued following reports of the Kremlin’s deepening ties with the Taliban, Noor said such recognition would have consequences beyond bilateral relations, potentially turning Afghanistan into a battleground for renewed proxy conflicts.

He stressed that the legitimacy of any political system must be grounded in the will and consent of the people, not merely through endorsement by foreign governments.

Noor criticised the Taliban for ruling by force, dismantling representative institutions, and violating basic human rights and freedoms. He argued that the group has failed to earn any form of domestic legitimacy.

Drawing parallels with previous Afghan regimes, Noor stated: “Historical experiences, such as the governments of Taraki, Karmal, and Najib (the communist regime leaders) have shown that no level of external support can sustain a regime that lacks national backing.”

He urged regional and global powers to support the Afghan people rather than lending legitimacy to what he described as an imposed and repressive regime.