The Express Tribune of Pakistan has reported that the European Union, while simultaneously initiating talks with the Taliban on the return of more than 27,000 Afghan migrants lacking legal documentation, has also engaged in discussions with certain political factions opposed to the Taliban, including Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the National Resistance Front.
The newspaper wrote on Friday, 19 June, that as part of its program to review the process of returning Afghan migrants, the European Union is interacting with two separate committees related to Afghanistan. According to Express Tribune, one of these committees has been formed by the Taliban, while the other includes several political figures opposed to the group, including Ahmad Massoud.
Diplomatic sources cited in the report suggest that this approach by the European Union reflects an intention to maintain engagement with a broad range of Afghan political actors and to consider various options in its dealings with the country. According to these sources, such a move could send an important political message to the Taliban.
The Express Tribune also reported that the Taliban have formed a seven-member committee to negotiate with the European Union regarding the return of migrants. This committee is expected to discuss mechanisms for accepting returning migrants, identity verification processes, and other technical aspects related to repatriation.
According to the newspaper, Taliban officials reacted negatively after learning about Ahmad Massoud’s invitation to meetings related to this issue. Citing a senior Taliban official, the report stated that diplomatic contacts at the Afghan embassy in Germany confirmed Massoud’s invitation a matter the Taliban consider outside the framework of official engagement with Europe.
The newspaper further cited analysts as saying that simultaneously inviting both the Taliban and their political opponents could strengthen the European Union’s position in migration-related negotiations. They believe this approach indicates that Europe is not limiting its engagement solely to the Taliban and is also maintaining contact with other Afghan political factions.
Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the National Resistance Front and son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, is one of the most prominent figures opposing the Taliban. Following the Taliban’s return to power, the National Resistance Front under his leadership launched armed activities in some regions of Afghanistan. In recent years, clashes between Taliban forces and members of this front have also been reported in parts of the country.
Alongside the National Resistance Front, other groups such as the Afghanistan Freedom Front, the Afghanistan Independence Front, and the Freedom Movement of Afghanistan are also considered opponents of the Taliban. Although their operational scope is regarded as limited, their presence and activities remain a notable aspect of Afghanistan’s ongoing political developments.
According to the report, the National Resistance Front led by Ahmad Massoud and the Afghanistan Freedom Front led by General Yasin Zia, the former chief of staff of the Afghan National Army, have held meetings in European countries in recent years. These gatherings have aimed to garner political support and coordinate among Taliban opponents.
The Express Tribune also noted that some European countries have shown interest in these groups due to their stated positions on democracy, human rights, women’s rights, and the establishment of an inclusive political system.
Following the announcement of the Taliban’s invitation to Brussels, several human rights organizations and Afghan citizens residing in Europe have reacted to the development. In recent days, protests and demonstrations opposing the Taliban have also been held in several European countries. Participants in these rallies expressed concerns about the human rights situation and the status of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
