KABUL - The Meshrano Jirga on Tuesday expressed its concern over the transfer of a local Taliban leader from northern Baghlan province to Kabul in a vehicle of Maidan Wardak police and demanded an investigation.
Earlier, The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said Qari Zahir, the Taliban intelligence chief who was wounded during a recent security operation in the Chashma-i-Sheer locality of Baghlan, was detained on Sunday.
The Taliban spy was being evacuated to Kabul for medical treatment. Two policemen accompanying Zahir in a police vehicle were also detained. The ministry said the Taliban leader had an active role in planning and directing terrorist activities in Baghlan.
Senator Lailuma Ahmadi said there were reports regarding the fifth column, a group of individuals working against the interest of Afghanistan for foreign countries. After the capture of Qari Zahir, she said, the report had proved to be true.
Another lawmaker, Juma Din Gayanwal, remarked: “Previously, we heard rumours, but now it has become clear that some people within the system had links with the Taliban.” Many MPs expressed shock over the arrest of Qari Zahir in a police vehicle and slammed it as an act of treason.
Chairman Fazal Hadi Muslimyar said: “Cooperation of the Maidan Wardak police chief with the Taliban was disappointing. We want the government to take action against the fifth columnists within the system.” He demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
Muslimyar asked the government to ensure the peaceful return of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries. Currently, seven million Afghan refugees are living in different parts of the world.(Pajhwok)