Afghan Consulate Staff In Bonn Resign Over Germany’s Move To Accept Taliban Envoys

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.

According to a statement from the Taliban’s Supreme Court, the punishments took place in Kapisa and Khost provinces. Local courts sentenced each person to 39 lashes on charges of extramarital relations or fleeing their homes. Thirteen were flogged in Kapisa and three in Khost.

The Taliban did not release the identities of those punished. Rights groups say defendants in Taliban-run courts are denied due process and have no access to fair trials.

The group describes corporal punishment, including flogging, as enforcement of Islamic law. Taliban courts across Afghanistan issue such sentences regularly, often in public gatherings.

Just last week, authorities flogged at least 27 people in Kabul, Takhar and Balkh provinces on charges of illicit relations, selling alcohol and trafficking narcotic pills.

Despite repeated condemnation from international human rights organisations, the Taliban have continued to carry out public corporal punishments since returning to power in 2021.