Afghan interior minister postpones Pakistan visit

Afghan interior ministry says visit has been postponed owing to Afghanistan's security situation

ISLAMABAD: Afghan Interior Minister Noorul Haq Ulomi postponed his visit to Pakistan citing "security issues" in his home country, the Afghan Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

“Interior Minister Noorul Haq Ulomi was scheduled to pay an official visit to Pakistan this week. However, the visit of the interior minister has been postponed because of internal security issues,” an Interior Ministry statement said. The statement posted online also said the visit will take place at a “suitable time.”

An Afghan diplomat in Islamabad confirmed to The Express Tribune the visit has been delayed.

The diplomat said new dates will be worked out after consultations with Pakistani officials.

The visit has been postponed in the wake of Taliban attacks and gains in northern Kunduz and eastern Nuristan province. Taliban gunmen captured at least two districts in Kunduz and Want Wyegal in Nuristan this month. Afghan officials say they have recaptured the three districts; however, the Taliban has disputed the claim.

Further, Taliban’s brazen attack on the parliament building last week has raised questions regarding the security situation in Kabul as well.

Afghan media has reported that members of the lower house of the parliament on Saturday criticised Ulomi, NDS chief Rahmatollah Nabil and the director of operations of the Ministry of National Defence over appointments of “nonprofessional” officials in security bodies, the poor security situation across the country and the attack on parliament.

The Afghan interior minister told the House that lack of heavy weapons and strong air forces are the main factors that prevented them from effectively dealing with the armed groups.

NDS chief Nabil told the parliament that the country could face more security issues over the next six months. He said most of the Taliban shadow governors are leading fighters.

Afghan spy agency, the National Directorate of Security, had alleged that an ISI officer had helped in Monday’s attack. However, Pakistan has strongly rejected the allegations.