Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday confirmed he met Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhunzada and held “comprehensive and inclusive talks” on all issues. The JUI-F chief has become the second foreign leader to meet the Taliban chief following the Qatari prime minister’s meeting with him in Kandahar last year. In an interview with Afghan National Radio and Television on Friday, Fazl confirmed meeting the Taliban chief. The interview was conducted in Kabul hours before the JUI-F chief wrapped up his six-day trip to Afghanistan, which the JUI-F has described as “highly successful”. When asked about his earlier remarks that he would travel to Kandahar to meet the Akhunzada, Fazl said, “We were in contact with them for this purpose. They positively responded to us. We received their full support and I am thankful to him.” To another question regarding his meeting with the Taliban chief, he said: “Of course. I am not making hollow claims.” “We discussed all issues between the two countries,” Fazl said.
