Fruitless contact with Ahmad Massoud: Zahir on the fragmentation of anti-Taliban fronts.
Taher Zahir, former governor of Bamyan, told the media that the Taliban’s power structure prioritizes the Pashtun ethnic group, effectively excluding other communities from political participation.
He explained that his experience after the Taliban’s return shows there is no meaningful role for non-Pashtun groups within the regime, deepening political and social divisions.
Zahir, who remained in Afghanistan for a period following the Taliban’s takeover and engaged in some armed resistance, said that continued efforts were hampered by severe shortages of resources, equipment, and support.
While he had no organized contact with other anti-Taliban groups, during his presence in Balkhab district he attempted to coordinate a meeting with Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front, through Jafar Attaie in London a move that ultimately proved unsuccessful.
These statements come as opposition parties recently announced an initiative called the “National Concord,” which has yet to achieve tangible political or field results.
The Taliban responded mockingly, asserting that there is no effective opposition inside Afghanistan and that leaders outside the country lack a popular base.
The group added that opponents could return to Afghanistan and live as ordinary citizens under a “general amnesty,” without receiving any official position or responsibility.
