Post-Nato Afghanistan: Hizb-e-Islami intensifies efforts for active role

Two of Hekmatyar’s sons met Dr Ashraf Ghani in Kabul

ISLAMABAD:

With discussions regarding a ‘national unity government’ in Afghanistan currently underway, the Gulbuddin Hekmatyar-led Hizb-e-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) has increased efforts to secure a possible active role in the country following the withdrawal of foreign forces.

Two of Hekmatyar’s sons met Afghan presidential candidate Dr Ashraf Ghani and other key leaders in Kabul recently to share HIA’s concept for a post-Nato Afghanistan.

“We travelled to Kabul, met Dr Ghani and discussed certain matters, including the peace process,” Hekmatyar’s son Jamaluddin told The Express Tribune on Wednesday. Jamaluddin’s brother Habibur Rehman accompanied him in meetings with Afghan leaders.

According to a senior HIA leader, Hekmatyar – who is a former prime minister – sent his sons to ‘personally’ assure Ghani of the group’s support. The leader, who wished not be named, said Hekmatyar had directed HIA leaders to vote for Ghani in the June 14 runoff. Ghani is widely believed to be ahead of rival Dr Abdullah Abdullah in the race for the country’s top slot.

Sources said HIA has held several talks with Ghani in recent months and both sides have formed committees to discuss future cooperation.

Although HIA leaders said no discussions over joining the government have taken place, they added that they will support Ghani if he replaces Karzai. The Express Tribune has also learnt that HIA is also mulling over a strategy for a possible role for Hekmatyar in post-Nato Afghanistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 4^th, 2014.