Gulbuddin Hekmatyar Travels to Malaysia After Months of Restrictions.
Informed sources report that Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of the Hezb-e-Islami party, has traveled to Malaysia for medical treatment.
This trip comes after his son previously stated that the Taliban were preventing Hekmatyar from leaving the country.
According to sources, the trip was at the invitation of Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has had friendly ties with Hekmatyar since the jihad era and had invited him to Malaysia multiple times.
This time, the Taliban did not block the trip, and Hekmatyar is expected to meet and hold discussions with the Malaysian Prime Minister during his stay.
Earlier, a Malaysian government delegation had visited Kabul, but the Taliban initially prevented them from meeting Hekmatyar. They later allowed the meeting due to potential negative repercussions. Hekmatyar’s son also stated that the Taliban had previously restricted his father from meeting with the public.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Hekmatyar and his party have faced extensive restrictions. His residence in Kabul was reclaimed, and the affiliated TV station, Baria, was shut down.
Over the past four years, Hekmatyar has repeatedly challenged Taliban policies and the legitimacy of its leadership, particularly that of Hibatullah Akhundzada.
