Former Afghan MP defects to Taliban

Published September 19, 2013
The Afghan Taliban have waged a decade-long war to topple the Western-backed government of President Hamid Karzai, pictured here.—AP/File Photo
The Afghan Taliban have waged a decade-long war to topple the Western-backed government of President Hamid Karzai, pictured here.—AP/File Photo

KABUL: A former Afghan lawmaker and district governor said Thursday he had defected to the Taliban as the religious hardliners seek to strengthen their influence before US-led combat troops withdraw next year.

Government officials confirmed that Qazi Abdul Hai had joined the rebels, but dismissed him as a low-level figure whose actions would have little impact.

“I am sure the Americans will be forced out soon and the Islamic Emirate will rule Afghanistan,” Hai said, using the formal name of the Taliban, in a video released on the group’s website. “I consulted with elders, and they all encouraged me to join.”

Hai was a senator in the upper house of parliament for the northern province of Sar-e Pol between 2004-08 and also served as a district governor.

“He defected to the Taliban after a trip to Pakistan some four months back,” claimed Mohammad Alam Ezedyar, deputy speaker of the upper house, while speaking to news agency AFP. “The reason could be concerns for his security. We have seen a targeted Taliban campaign assassinating government officials.”

Sar-e Pol governor Abdul Jabar Haqbeen said Hai was previously a member of the Taliban during their 1996-2001 rule, and had resigned as district governor saying he needed health treatment abroad.

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.