“Addressing these challenges requires greater intervention and immediate, practical action,” she said.

Stanikzai and Baradar remain abroad, officially for vacation and medical treatment.

The event has also drawn political figures and activists focused on Afghanistan’s future.

The freed individuals returned to Afghanistan through the Spin Boldak border crossing.

Sources say Rahimullah was the nephew of Rahmatullah, the Taliban’s police chief.

“This remains a standing issue on the agenda in all interactions," Baghaei said.

For the past 24 years, the U.S. has been Afghanistan’s largest donor.

The blast took place on the road leading to the airport.

Taliban have flogged more than 70 individuals over the past three weeks.