No One Seeks To Replace Taliban Leader, Says Senior Official

Speaking at the Meeting of Special Representatives of Afghanistan’s Neighbouring Countries Plus Russia, Mohammad Sadiq Khan said participants shared the view that the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan poses a major challenge to regional security.

He said that the people of Afghanistan have endured immense suffering and deserve better conditions.

He urged the Taliban to take practical steps to ease the hardship faced by Afghans, adding that the most important measure would be the complete and non-discriminatory elimination of all terrorist groups from Afghan territory.

The regional meeting on Afghanistan began on Sunday, in Tehran with the participation of representatives from Russia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Although invited by Iran, the Taliban declined to attend.

Khan said Afghanistan would only be able to gain the trust of neighbouring and regional countries for meaningful engagement once it is free of terrorist groups. He added that such engagement could help revive Afghanistan’s economic potential and strengthen regional connectivity.

Pakistani officials have repeatedly raised security concerns and accused the Taliban of providing safe haven to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants in Afghanistan. United Nations Security Council reports have confirmed the presence of the group. The Taliban have denied the allegations and accused Pakistan of failing to ensure its own security.

In a statement, the group said the attack targeted a Taliban reserve unit and wounded another member. Local sources, however, told Afghanistan International that an incident took place on Saturday afternoon, in Fayzabad, but said four people were wounded. As in previous cases, the Taliban have not commented on the claim.

The AFF accused the targeted Taliban unit of suppressing public protests and creating an atmosphere of fear to consolidate control by the authorities in Kabul. The group said none of its fighters were harmed in the operation.

The Afghanistan Freedom Front is an armed movement opposed to the Taliban that emerged after the group returned to power. It says it is made up of former military personnel and political opponents of the Taliban.

The AFF says its aim is armed resistance against the Taliban and the establishment of a different political system in Afghanistan. The group has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks on Taliban forces.

He added that Pakistan seeks peace, development and security across the region.

Khan made the remarks at the “Meeting of Special Representatives of Afghanistan’s Neighbouring Countries Plus Russia,” which is focused on developments in Afghanistan.

Special envoys from Russia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are attending the talks. The Taliban declined to take part in the meeting.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also addressed the gathering, saying the interests of Afghanistan’s neighbours are closely linked to security in the country. He stressed the need to establish regular mechanisms for dialogue among neighbouring states to help promote stability.

The Tehran meeting comes amid heightened regional concerns over security and cross-border threats linked to Afghanistan.

Speaking on Saturday at a graduation ceremony for students at a religious school, Jawad said the Taliban is committed to regional security and stability in line with what he described as “the guidance of Sharia and the country’s interests.”

“We do not want war,” he said. “But if war is imposed on us, we will defend the Sharia-based system and the Islamic homeland in such a way that all current calculations will prove wrong, and the warmongers will experience the greatest regret of their lives.”

His remarks come amid intensified internal discussions among Taliban officials about the group’s authority and the manner in which obedience to the Taliban leader should be exercised.

Jawad also said the Taliban believes Islamic rule is safeguarded through the expansion of religious studies, while the development of modern sciences would bring prosperity and progress to the country.

Jawad, who was appointed deputy intelligence chief after the Taliban seized power in August 2021, has become one of the group’s most controversial figures over the past four years due to repeated threatening statements directed at various individuals and groups.

Araghchi made the remarks at the “Meeting of Special Representatives of Afghanistan’s Neighbouring Countries Plus Russia,” held in Tehran. Special representatives from Russia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan attended the gathering. The Taliban declined to participate.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said at the opening of the meeting that all developments related to Afghanistan would be reviewed.

Addressing the meeting, Araghchi said establishing regular mechanisms for dialogue among Afghanistan’s neighbours is a strategic necessity. “These meetings not only prevent misunderstandings,” he said, “but also enable coordination of policies and economic, border and humanitarian programmes, helping to strengthen mutual understanding and convergence of views among regional countries. They provide a suitable platform for reducing tensions and boosting constructive cooperation among neighbours.”

The Iranian foreign minister also said that “no extra-regional blueprint can resolve regional problems and crises,” adding that imported solutions or decision-making from outside the region do not bring stability to any country.

Araghchi emphasised the importance of expanding regional economic cooperation with Afghanistan, saying improved conditions could allow the country to serve as a link between Central Asia and South Asia, and between West Asia and the Asia-Pacific, creating a corridor for energy transit and trade.

Ahead of the meeting, Iran facilitated discussions among anti-Taliban political groups, resulting in a joint declaration titled “National Solidarity of Afghanistan’s Political Parties and Movements.” Encouraged by Tehran, Afghan political factions issued a statement calling for the resolution of Afghanistan’s crisis through political dialogue.

Hanif Atmar, Afghanistan’s former foreign minister, described the Tehran meeting as an important opportunity to advance a political process. He urged regional countries to support the launch of intra-Afghan negotiations and to “ask Afghan parties to hold these talks as soon as possible, in cooperation with the United Nations.”