KABUL: A top figure in Afghan Taliban hierarchy has been assigned the task to lead the ongoing negotiations with the US.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar. Mullah Baradar is among the four people including Mullah Omar, who founded the insurgent movement.
According to reports, Baradar, who remained in detention in Pakistan until last year, has been authorised to lead the political team and take decisions.
The Taliban issued a statement to announce Baradar’s appointment and a reshuffle in their team to put senior leaders into key positions as the talks with US officials gain momentum.
The statement said that the step had been taken to strengthen and properly handle the ongoing negotiations process with the United States.
US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad’s meeting with the Taliban representatives, which was originally due to run over two days, entered its fourth day on Thursday.
It was not clear whether the talks were to continue on Friday, or how soon Baradar could join the talks.
Baradar had headed Taliban’s military operations in southern Afghanistan. He was arrested in 2010 by Pakistani intelligence officials.
His release, according to security experts, was part of high-level negotiations led by Khalilzad with the Taliban.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription
