World

Taliban to Hold Swearing-In Event on Sept 11

The newly established Taliban administration has sent invitations to different nations to participate in the oath-taking event, including China, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, Qatar, India, and, most notably, the US.

Kabul: The interim government of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan (IEA) is expected to assume office on September 11, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the United States in 2001.

According to reports, the newly established Taliban administration has sent invitations to different nations to participate in the oath-taking ceremony, including China, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, Qatar, India, and, most notably, the United States.

The Taliban published the names of their interim government officials, emphasising that the establishment in Afghanistan will be a caretaker arrangement. The Taliban are seeking worldwide recognition and have urged countries to restore embassies in the war-torn country.

“We recognise that peace and stability are must for investments. We want good relations with all the neighbours, including China,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban.

“The war has ended, the country is getting out of the crisis. It is now the time for peace and reconstruction. We need people to support us. Afghanistan has the right to be recognised. The international community should open their embassies in Kabul,” he added.

However, the international community is still not ready to recognise the announced interim government of the Taliban and has raised questions over non-inclusivity of various other ethnic groups. It is also not happy with the representation of various old guards of the Taliban in the new setup, who carry bounty on their heads and are listed as proscribed terrorists by the Untied Nations and other global platforms.

The interim Prime Minister, Mohammad Hassan Akhund, is under UN sanctions. Sirajuddin Haqqani, named the acting Interior Minister, is on FBI’s most-wanted list with a bounty of $10 million on his head. Khalil Haqqani, appointed as the acting Minister for Refugees, also carries a $5 million bounty on his head.

Many others in prominent positions on the list are either members of US-designated terror organisations, or are on international sanctions lists, or are former Guantanamo detainees.

Meanwhile, the United States has stated that it is evaluating the declaration of an interim administration in Afghanistan and is worried about certain people due to their ties and track records.

“We notice that the list of names comprises entirely of persons who are Taliban members or close allies, with no women,” said a spokeswoman for the US State Department.

On the other end, the Taliban have reacted angrily to foreign criticism directed at members of their temporary administration, particularly the United States, which they accuse of breaching the Doha peace deal by refusing to recognise the interim Taliban government. (Hamza Ameer /IANS)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button