Opposition leader Mohaqeq claims Taliban confiscated his properties in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif
Mohammad Mohaqeq, leader of the Islamic Unity Party of the People of Afghanistan, stated that the Taliban have confiscated his properties in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif and halted operations of his Rah Farda television channel.
In a Tuesday interview with Afghanistan International, Mohaqeq said his house and assets in Mazar-i-Sharif had previously been seized, and now his Kabul residence and the TV station have also been taken. He linked the actions to his prior criticism of the Taliban over their conflict with Pakistan, where he accused them of supporting terrorism that prompted Pakistani airstrikes. However, Mohaqeq denied any connection, asserting that closing Rah Farda is part of the Taliban's policy to weaken Afghanistan's Shia and Hazara communities. He added that under Taliban rule, Shia and Hazaras face severe psychological pressure and extortion under various pretexts.
Mohaqeq is a leader in the National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan, most of whose members are in Turkey.
Separately, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stefan Dujarric stated on Tuesday that recent tensions, including between the Taliban and Pakistan, risk triggering a wave of Afghan refugee returns. UNHCR has warned of worsening humanitarian conditions, with about 110,000 Afghans returned from Iran since the start of the year and an average of 1,700 daily since late last month. Over 160,000 have returned from Pakistan, where the Torkham crossing remains closed. UNHCR reports more than 5 million returns from Iran and Pakistan since October 2023, straining Afghanistan's capacities.
On U.S. hostages, Adam Boehler, Trump's special envoy for hostages, said the Taliban should not view American citizens as bargaining chips for political gains. Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, designated Afghanistan a state sponsor of unlawful detentions, accusing the Taliban of terrorist tactics to secure ransoms or concessions. Republican lawmakers Maria Salazar, John Cornyn and Ted Budd echoed calls for the release of detained Americans like Dennis Keill, describing the practices as 'vile' and 'barbaric.' Cornyn met Keill's sisters on Tuesday.
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