Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman confirmed on Friday that he had engaged in “comprehensive and inclusive talks” with Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhunzada during his recent six-day visit to Afghanistan. The discussions covered a range of issues, reflecting Fazl’s effort to address the complexities souring ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Fazl, the second prominent figure to meet the Taliban chief after the Qatari prime minister’s visit last year, expressed gratitude for the positive response to his desire to visit Afghanistan. The JUI-F chief, leading an 11-member delegation, traveled to Kabul on the invitation of the Afghan interim government to discuss matters amid a busy election campaign.
جمعیت علماء اسلام کے سربراہ مولانا فضل الرحمان کا دورہ افغانستان
— Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (@juipakofficial) January 12, 2024
مولانا فضل الرحمان کی امارت اسلامی افغانستان کے وزیرداخلہ خلیفہ سراج الدین حقانی سے ملاقات
ملاقات میں وزیر مہاجرین حاجی خلیل الرحمان سمیت دیگر عہدیداران موجود
وزیرداخلہ خلیفہ سراج الدین نے مولانا فضل الرحمان… pic.twitter.com/pKjuOnAop7
In an interview with Afghan National Radio and Television, to be aired on Saturday, Fazl affirmed the substantive nature of his meeting with Akhunzada. He emphasized that the purpose of his visit extended beyond a singular issue, aiming for a comprehensive understanding. The JUI-F chief stated, “We held comprehensive and inclusive talks. We covered all issues and exchanged suggestions for cooperation in all fields. They endorsed our stance in a very proper way.”
The JUI-F media cell reported additional meetings with key Afghan leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar, Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob Mujahid, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, and Refugee Minister Khalil ur Rehman Haqqani. Statements from these leaders indicated a willingness to improve relations between the two countries.
Sirajuddin Haqqani expressed the Afghan government’s desire for cordial relations with Pakistan, emphasizing the need for consensus in talks on border affairs. Mullah Yaqoob voiced optimism that Fazl’s visit could contribute to reducing tensions between the two nations.
Meanwhile, Afghan Refugee Minister Rehman conveyed serious concerns over Pakistan’s treatment of Afghan refugees and urged an end to what was described as “unfair” treatment. The minister also appealed for Pakistan to allow time for voluntary repatriation.
The diplomatic engagements occurred against the backdrop of strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, marked by a surge in terrorist attacks, primarily attributed to the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban. Pakistan has voiced concerns over the use of Afghan soil by militant groups against its interests, calling for action against the Tehreek-i-Taliban and the extradition of its leaders.
Additionally, the deportation of undocumented Afghans from Pakistan has intensified, with nearly half a million individuals leaving since November 1, 2023, further impacting bilateral ties.
