KABUL/ ISLAMABAD – President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan on Sunday, a top official said, effectively ceding power to the Taliban as they reached the capital Kabul to seal a nationwide military victory in just 10 days.
“The former Afghan President has left the nation, leaving the people to this situation,” Abdullah Abdullah, who heads the peace process, said in a video on his Facebook page. “God hold him accountable, and the people will have their judgement.”
He gave no indication where Ghani was going, but leading Afghan media group Tolo news suggested he was heading to Tajikistan. Ghani’s departure from office was one of the key demands of the Taliban in months of peace talks with the government, but he had stubbornly clung to power. In just over a week, the Taliban have carried out a lightning sweep of the country, with troops incapable of holding onto territory without US military support.
The insurgents said they want a “peaceful transfer” within the next few days, two decades after US-led forces toppled it in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The group ordered its fighters earlier Sunday not to enter the capital, saying the remnants of the government’s forces were responsible for security. But later, a spokesman tweeted that Taliban forces should enter areas deserted by Afghan forces in order to maintain law and order. Afghan Taliban Sunday announced that they have control on all over Afghanistan. However, they would not take over Kabul by force and announced general amnesty for Kabul. “We reiterate that the Islamic Emirate does not intend to take revenge on anyone, all those who have served in the military and civilian sectors in the Kabul administration are forgiven and safe, no one will be retaliated against”, Taliban Spokesman Suhail Shaheen said in a major policy statement issued to media on Sunday.
He said negotiations are underway with the other side to enter Kabul peacefully, so that the transition process can be completed safely and securely, without harming anyone’s head, property or honour. And the lives of the citizens of Kabul will not be in danger. “The Islamic Emirate instructs all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul, not to try to enter the city”, Suhail Shaheen remarked.
The Taliban spokesman said until the completion of the transition process, the security of Kabul city is referred to the other side, which must be maintained, he emphasized.
The spokesman while referring to those fleeing the country said all should stay in their own country, in their own place and home, and do not try to leave the country.
Outlining the future system of government, Suhail said, “We want all Afghans, from all walks of life, to see themselves in a future Islamic system with a responsible government that serves and is acceptable to all”.
He denied the reports of travelling of Mullah Abdul Ghani Bradar to Kabul and said Mullah Bradar is in Doha holding talks with negotiators which he did not disclose. Diplomatic sources told The Nation that Pakistan also remained in touch with senior Taliban leadership in Doha over the evolving security and political situation. A Taliban delegation is also expected to visit Islamabad this week to discuss security and political situation with Pakistani leaders and relations with Pakistan, as Afghanistan would be under their control.
Published in The Nation on 16th August 202