Hekmatyar Calls Current Situation in Afghanistan Unacceptable

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of Hezb-e Islami, has stated that the current situation in Afghanistan is unacceptable to any Afghan and contrary to the aspirations of the people. In a statement published by Shahadat media, he called for immediate positive changes in accordance with Islamic guidelines. This includes filling the leadership vacuum through the creation of a representative council, the adoption of a constitution and the formation of an elected government.

Separately, Shahabuddin Delawar, head of the Taliban's Political Contact Commission, invited several exiled Afghan leaders to return to the country. He offered guarantees of safety and forgiveness to Abdul Rasul Sayyaf, Mohammad Mohaqeq, Karim Khalili, Atta Mohammad Noor, Ashraf Ghani and Fauzia Kufi.

The Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, led by Karim Khalili, responded that the leaders would only return if a fair and inclusive political structure based on the free will of the Afghan people is established. The party warned that otherwise the Taliban would bear responsibility for the ongoing crisis. The Taliban has not issued a new reaction to the statements but has consistently opposed forming an inclusive government over the past four years while maintaining an all-male cabinet.