“I think the United States is the biggest obstacle to the recognition of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The United States does not allow other countries to move in this direction and has itself not taken any step on this count either,” Zabihullah Mujahid said.

“Our government have met all the requirements to obtain diplomatic recognition. All countries, including the United States, need to realize that political engagement with our government is in everybody’s interest,” he added.

Since the second capture of Kabul on 15 August 2021 by the Taliban Movement, the organization has restored its government and currently is the de facto ruling national government in Afghanistan.

Currently there have been no serious attempts made by former president Ashraf Ghani to form a government in exile, leaving the Taliban-ruled Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as the de facto recognized government of Afghanistan by the international community.

Despite no countries recognizing the Islamic Emirate as the successor of the former Afghan government, there have been official diplomatic talks between the Emirate and other countries since September 2021. (ILKHA)