Taliban Orders Nationwide Shutdown Of Fibre-Optic Internet In Afghanistan

In a statement, the consulate team said their decision was driven by Berlin’s move to send two Taliban representatives to the mission.

Hamid Nangialay Kabiri, the acting head of the consulate, said in a video message that all staff had stepped down, citing opposition to what he called the transfer of Afghan citizens’ documents to an “illegitimate group.”

Kabiri said all documents and assets of the consulate would be handed to the German Foreign Ministry. He added that one Taliban envoy was expected to be assigned to the post.

The resigning staff said the decision undermines human rights, women’s and children’s access to education, and basic freedoms, and therefore lacks legitimacy. They expressed hope that Afghanistan would one day establish a government based on the will of its people.

Koofi, attending a two-day conference of Afghan political groups in Islamabad, described conditions in Afghanistan, particularly for women, as “unbearable.” She said the country needs meaningful leadership, inclusive narratives and a political system that respects the rights of all citizens.

“This two-day dialogue brings together a diverse group of men and women from Afghanistan to reflect on their country’s future,” she wrote on the X platform.

Koofi said Pakistan’s role in the process was “pivotal” and argued that constructive engagement is essential to addressing shared concerns and building mutual trust. She stressed that only a government based on the people’s will and constitutional order can guarantee security and regional stability.

The gathering, titled “Toward Unity and Trust,” opened on Monday after being postponed three times. It was organised by Women for Afghanistan and the Institute for South Asian Strategic Stability to foster dialogue between Afghan leaders and their Pakistani counterparts.

Zakir Jalali said on the X platform that recent high-level meetings and the release of American prisoners could pave the way for broader engagement between the Taliban and Washington.

He said relations should be based on “mutual respect and common interests” and noted that both sides had reached an understanding on addressing prisoner issues, with further discussions expected on other matters.

Jalali added that recognising the “realities and sensitivities” of each side could help shape the next stage of engagement.

Adam Boehler, President Donald Trump’s envoy for hostage affairs, arrived in Kabul on an unannounced trip, which his third visit in recent months.

Following the delegation’s visit, the Taliban Foreign Ministry announced Sunday that it had released an American citizen, identified as Amir Amiri. Sources told Afghanistan International that at least three other US nationals remain in Taliban custody.

Organisers said the gathering, held under the theme “Towards Unity and Trust”, will also explore ways to build confidence and promote common understanding among Afghan stakeholders.

The meeting, arranged by Women for Afghanistan and the South Asian Institute of Strategic Stability, brings together Afghan political figures, women, and diplomats for dialogue with Pakistani counterparts. The event had been postponed several times before going ahead this week.

Participants include Fawzia Koofi, a former member of parliament; Mustafa Mastoor, Afghanistan’s former economy minister; Nasir Ahmad Andisha, former Afghan representative to the UN in Geneva; Ahmadullah Alizai, former Kabul governor; and Tahir Zohair, former Bamiyan governor.

Others in attendance include Abdullah Qarluq of the National Islamic Movement Party, Masouma Khawari of the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, and Bashir Ahmad Ansari, a writer and religious scholar.

Russia’s ambassador to Kabul, Dmitry Zhirnov, met with Muttaqi and welcomed the group’s formal participation in the forum, according to a statement from the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry.

Muttaqi described the Taliban’s inclusion as “an important step” and voiced hope that such platforms would help build trust between Afghanistan and regional countries.

The sixth Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan was held on 4 October last year in the Russian capital with senior representatives from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Muttaqi attended that session only as a guest.

Participants at the time urged the Taliban to establish a balanced, effective and inclusive government that would safeguard the rights and interests of all Afghans, including women, girls and ethnic minorities.

Russia is the only country to have formally recognised the Taliban administration and has expanded political and diplomatic engagement with the group.

Muttaqi’s planned trip comes despite his name appearing on the UN Security Council’s sanctions list. It remains unclear whether he will be granted an exemption to travel to Moscow. Previous planned visits to Pakistan and India were cancelled after the sanctions committee declined to issue waivers.