A Taliban delegation, led by its spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, left Kabul on Saturday afternoon for Doha to attend the third round of the Doha meeting.
The Taliban announced that its delegation includes officials from the ministries of interior, industry and commerce, and the head of the Taliban’s political office in Qatar.
The invitation of the Taliban to the Doha meeting has sparked widespread criticism from women’s rights activists and human rights watchdogs, with many describing it as a capitulation by the U.N. and the international community to the Taliban’s conditions. Others view it as a concession to the Taliban.
The Taliban declined to attend the second round of the Doha meeting, citing unmet conditions by the U.N. Mujahid, who is leading the delegation, said the Doha meeting will focus on counter-narcotics efforts and the private sector.
The third round of the Doha meeting is set to commence on Sunday.
