Pakistan’s intelligence chief Faiz Hameed arrives in Kabul on Taliban’s invite

The chief of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, Gen Faiz Hameed, arrived in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Saturday on the invitation of the Taliban.

The Associated Press reported that the powerful intelligence chief arrived in Kabul on a surprise visit, as per two Pakistani officials who wished to remain anonymous. They are not authorised to speak to the media.

While it is unclear what the purpose of the visit is, sources state the Faiz Hameed-led Pakistani delegation will discuss the immediate future of Pakistan and Afghanistan’s security, economic and trade ties with the Taliban leadership.

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As per Pakistani journalist Kamran Khan, Faiz Hameed is the tallest foreign official to arrive in Kabul at the official invitation of the Taliban council.

It is believed that the Pakistani intelligence service has the greatest outside influence over the Taliban. The Taliban leadership had their headquarters in Pakistan and were often said to be in direct contact with the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence agency.

Although Pakistan has often denied giving the Taliban military aid, both the Afghan and US governments routinely accused the country of the same.

(With inputs from AP)

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