Richard Lindsay, UK Special Envoy to Afghanistan, during his visit to Kabul this week, “encouraged Taliban ministers to continue dialogue with Pakistan to de-escalate and find durable solutions,” according to a statement by the UK government on Friday.
The statement said Lindsay met Taliban ministers and officials from the foreign affairs, interior, public health, refugees and repatriation and disaster management ministries. The discussions covered a wide range of topics including regional stability, humanitarian assistance, internet access, and the rights of women and girls.
“This visit was an opportunity to engage constructively with Taliban ministers and officials on a range of important topics. The UK remains committed to support the Afghan people, having provided £4 million in emergency funding and allocated up to £151 million in broader humanitarian support this year,” the UK special envoy said.
He also discussed the impact of internet shutdowns, which have disrupted vital services and isolated vulnerable communities, the statement said, adding that Lindsay encouraged Taliban authorities to maintain connectivity.
According to the statement, the UK special envoy raised concerns about the rights of women and girls, and ethnic and religious minorities, and reiterated the importance of inclusive governance and constructive engagement in the UN-led Doha process.
“Regional stability was also a key theme, and the special envoy encouraged Taliban minsters to continue dialogue with Pakistan to de-escalate and find durable solutions,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Lindsay also met with Afghan civil society leaders, including women-led organisations, to hear first-hand their perspectives on life under the current restrictions, and the role of women in humanitarian delivery.
The visit comes as Taliban and Pakistan signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha last Saturday, ending a week-long border clashes and attacks that according to UN, killed 37 people and wounded 425 others.
This also comes as Taliban imposed complete shutdown of the internet and telecommunication for 48 hours in September in the country. The move was met with widespread national and international reactions.
Taliban refugees ministry said in a statement on Thursday that their refugees minister Abdul Kabir held a meeting with the UK special envoy.
The statement read that Lindsay welcomed the ceasefire between the Taliban and Pakistan.
