Russian Envoy Says One SCO Member Blocks Taliban From Full Participation

Zamir Kabulov, Russian presidential envoy, stated that opposition from one Shanghai Cooperation Organization member prevents the Taliban from advancing toward full membership despite their request and ongoing contacts with the group.

Kabulov explained that the organization's consensus rule allows any single member to halt the process. He did not name the country, though analysts have identified Pakistan as the likely source of opposition amid recent border clashes and unresolved security matters.

Afghanistan has held observer status in the SCO since 2012, but its practical participation has remained suspended since the Taliban took power in 2021. The last official Afghan attendance at an SCO meeting occurred in 2020.

Russia continues separate engagement with the Taliban, including a recent technical-military cooperation agreement and plans for Taliban representatives to attend future Moscow Format meetings. The lack of formal recognition by all SCO members adds further obstacles to broader integration.