We welcome India’s cooperation, won’t allow anti-india acts on Afghan soil: Taliban

With the deadline of 1 May approaching, the world’s eyes are on Afghanistan as the Joe Biden-led United States government has indicated that it is unlikely to recall its estimated 2,500 soldiers who are based in Afghanistan. This has led to a sharp reaction from the Taliban.

The Sunday Guardian spoke to one of the main protagonists of the entire Afghanistan peace process, Dr Muhammad Naeem Wardak, who has a PHD from the International Islamic University, Islamabad. Wardak hails from Chak district, Afghanistan, and is a part of the Taliban political office in Doha and has been representing the Taliban at the peace talks. With the interaction between the Indian government and the Taliban representatives likely to increase in the coming days, Wardak will play a key role during these interactions.

Wardak spoke on the topic of India, the Haqqani network, the IC-814 hijack and Pakistan. Edited excerpts:

Q: The 1 May deadline is approaching and the United States administration has indicated that it will not recall its soldiers who are stationed in Afghanistan. How do you see this development? And what should the world expect post 1 May if US soldiers are not withdrawn? A: Our expectation is that the United States will deliver on its promise and withdraw from Afghanistan on time, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Failure to comply with the agreement will result in liability for those who violate the agreement.

Q: One reason cited by officials for not letting US troops leave Afghanistan is that once these soldiers leave, the Taliban will overthrow the civilian government and create a situation similar to what the world had seen in 1996 when the Taliban had taken over Kabul and hanged former President Mohammad Najibullah. How would you like to respond?

A: These are ridiculous excuses made by the Kabul administration to keep foreigners in Afghanistan and protect their personal interests as they have for the last 20 years.

After the end of the foreign occupation in Afghanistan, we are determined to reach an agreement with all Afghan parties through the political process in the country—an agreement in which Afghanistan’s 40-year-old dream will be fulfilled and the scourge of corruption removed from our country.

Inter-afghan talks are currently underway in Doha. We are hopeful that these talks will pave the way for an agreement.

Q: The US has recently asked different countries, including