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.