Saleh: “Hostage-Taking” and “Violation of Women’s Rights” Are Central to Any Talks with the Taliban

DUSHANBA (Kokcha.News) — Amrullah Saleh, the former Vice President of Afghanistan, has emphasized that critical issues like hostage-taking, abduction, terrorism, and mass killings are always on the agenda in any talks with the Taliban. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Saleh also highlighted other pressing concerns, including the trafficking of synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, opium cultivation, the closure of schools, the ban on modern education, the violation of women’s basic rights, and restricted access to political prisoners.

Saleh noted that neighboring countries’ concerns about the Taliban’s activities and the issue of Afghan migrant deportations have also been central to any interactions with the group.

This statement comes as Adam Boehler, the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, made an unexpected visit to Kabul on Saturday. The Taliban stated that the purpose of Boehler’s visit was to discuss “prisoner exchanges, ways to expand bilateral relations, issues related to citizens, investment, and other opportunities in Afghanistan.”