Hezb-e-Islami chief Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has launched a blistering attack on the Taliban, accusing them of enforcing a policy of hostility against all political groups and driving Afghanistan into isolation.
In a series of posts on X, Hekmatyar warned that Afghanistan has no national unity under Taliban rule, questioning whether Afghans could ever agree on a “national covenant” that ensures inclusivity. “If we build this capacity within ourselves, we can move toward light,” he said.
Hekmatyar highlighted the Taliban’s deteriorating ties with Pakistan , Iran’s unwillingness to provide support, and joint Russia-Pakistan counterterrorism drills near Afghan borders as signs of growing international distrust. He pointed to the recent Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska, questioning whether Afghanistan was again being treated as a bargaining chip between world powers.
The veteran leader argued that while Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran’s nuclear program dominate global agendas, Afghanistan remains a hidden battlefield for US-Russia rivalry. He warned that Putin’s real target could be Afghanistan, as it remains the only arena where Moscow can offer concessions to Washington.
Hekmatyar’s remarks come at a time when the Taliban have banned political parties, silenced opposition, and shut the doors to dialogue — raising fears that their hardline policies are isolating Afghanistan and crushing hopes of national unity.
