Abdul Rashid Dostum, the leader of Afghanistan’s National Islamic Movement Party, expressed deep concern about the current situation in the country in his Eid al-Adha message and warned that if the Taliban do not change their policies, Afghanistan could once again descend into civil war.
He urged the Taliban to immediately begin talks with their opponents and the political opposition in order to prevent further crisis.
Dostum said that he is not seeking to return to power himself, but as “a compassionate leader,” he is worried about the future of the Afghan people. He accused the Taliban of deploying forces to suppress protesters in the provinces of Badakhshan and Takhar, stressing that such actions are creating an atmosphere of mistrust even within the Taliban’s own ranks.
According to him, Afghanistan is currently facing a deep political, social, and economic crisis, as well as international isolation, which has made people’s lives even more difficult.
Dostum warned that if the Taliban’s “illegitimate” rule and pressure on the people continue, Afghanistan will once again become a میدان for regional and international rivalries, and the threat of terrorism will increase.
The leader of the National Islamic Movement Party also stated that the Supreme Council of National Resistance, together with all major political parties and intellectual movements, will continue its struggle for the rights of the people until the Taliban submit to the will of the nation.
He called on the Taliban not to underestimate their opponents and to use the existing opportunities for negotiations. He also urged the people to unite for brotherhood and justice.
Alongside Dostum’s message, several other anti-Taliban politicians, including Amrullah Saleh, Hanif Atmar, and Hamid Karzai, also criticized Taliban policies in their Eid messages.
This comes as the country’s economic situation has worsened, with nearly 15 million Afghans facing severe hunger. Meanwhile, disagreements have also emerged between the طالبان of Kandahar and Badakhshan over the gold mines in Badakhshan.
It is worth noting that Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader, had earlier called on his opponents during Eid al-Adha prayers to return to Afghanistan, reconcile with the Taliban, and join their administration.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
