Note: Naseer Ahmad Faiq, the acting Chargé d’Affaires of Afghanistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, has resolutely defended the positions of the people of Afghanistan at the United Nations and Security Council meetings over the past four years. He says that the Taliban have contacted him through his former colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and even directly to seize Afghanistan’s seat in this organization; however, he has emphasized the interests of the people, respect for human rights values, especially women’s rights, and legitimate sovereignty. Faiq speaks in this interview about pressures from some regional countries and the persistent struggles of women in Afghanistan. He refers to his four-year stand against diplomatic conspiracies, revealing the behind-the-scenes political interactions with the Taliban, resistance against legitimizing their regime, and the impact of women’s protests in drafting international statements and resolutions. Faiq asserts that without establishing a legitimate structure, respect for human rights, and ending gender apartheid, Afghanistan will not find a path to stability and liberation.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: Over the past four years, you have stood firm against pressures from the Taliban and their supporting countries in the Security Council and the United Nations as a whole. What have been the most important aspects of this resistance?
Faiq: Representing a poor, war-torn country entangled in multilayered crises, without support, resources, or a legitimate government, is an extremely difficult task. This responsibility falls on our shoulders while the people of Afghanistan, both inside and outside the country, expect immediate and effective actions from the United Nations and us as Afghanistan’s representative in this institution.
Despite conspiracies, pressures, and internal and external challenges, including pressures from certain countries, I have always stood in defense of national interests and the values of the people of Afghanistan, both in public sessions and behind closed doors. These efforts have been based on the United Nations Charter and the aspirations of the people of Afghanistan for achieving peace, justice, the rule of law, and a legitimate political structure.
You have certainly witnessed my verbal tensions with representatives of countries during official sessions, including Security Council meetings and other sessions related to Afghanistan. These efforts have always been carried out within the framework of the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter and the aspirations of the people of Afghanistan, which aim to strengthen peace, stability, and prosperity through the creation of a structure based on the will of the people, justice, and the rule of law.
Over these four years, within the framework of national interests, I have consistently sought political solutions and advocated against the Taliban’s repressive policies and violations of citizens’ fundamental rights, especially those of women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, and the security and defense forces of the previous government. I have always been the resounding voice of the people of Afghanistan and have represented a united Afghanistan without any political, ethnic, group, or party considerations.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: In the article “An Ambassador Without a Country,” it is mentioned that Afghanistan’s representation has even fallen behind in paying its debts. How have you managed to keep this institution operational? What have been your financial and diplomatic challenges?
Faiq: Since the fall of the republican system until now, we have faced serious financial problems. My colleagues and I, most of whom are committed and talented women and young people residing in the United States, voluntarily and without receiving salaries or benefits, continue the representation’s activities alongside our studies and personal work. The challenges have increased every day but have not decreased. Due to the non-payment of Afghanistan’s membership dues to the United Nations, which have reached about one million dollars since the fall of the republic, our voting rights have been suspended. Although Afghanistan owns the office and the ambassador’s residence in New York, the monthly maintenance costs for these properties are very heavy, and from the time of the fall until today, totaling more than eight hundred thousand dollars, they have not been paid.
The permanent representation of Afghanistan, unlike other embassies and consulates, has had no source of income during these four years and still does not. Even in the last year of the republic, contrary to usual practice, the budget for the final three months of the year was not transferred to the representation’s account. The small amount of money in the account also became inaccessible after the representative’s bank account was frozen in late 2021. That is, from the time I assumed responsibility for Afghanistan’s permanent representation and the custodianship and protection of the Afghanistan government’s trusts and properties, there have been no salaries or benefits, and there still are none.
We have tried to manage these problems through legitimate means and by engaging in dialogue with relevant institutions, while preserving the independence, transparency, and credibility of the representation. After reopening the account, a significant portion of the debts and essential expenses, including part of the office and residence maintenance costs, were paid. However, financial problems persist, and the conditions are very difficult.
During this period, we have not received any financial assistance from any internal or external authority. For me, preserving independence, transparency, and accountability has been and remains more important than anything else. Our focus and commitment are on major issues, including finding a political solution to the Afghanistan crisis and pursuing the people’s demands. As long as there is hope and the possibility of service, we will continue our efforts, but if one day I conclude that these efforts are not in the interest of the people and national interests and will yield no results, I will honestly and transparently announce my decision to the people of Afghanistan.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: Have you benefited from the support of certain countries or institutions?
Faiq: I have previously said that we are under no financial support in terms of resources, but I would like to add that on principled and substantive issues, including advocacies, representing the people of Afghanistan and conveying their legitimate demands in official and unofficial meetings, both public and behind closed doors, there has always been alignment and support for our positions from a large number of countries, and it continues.
Of course, it is natural that every country acts based on its supreme interests and considerations. But for me, the interests and considerations of my people and country come first, and then, within the framework of principles, values, and the art of diplomacy, I strive to engage and dialogue based on shared interests and threats with the world. However, I must say that any proposal for financial assistance from others has not been and is not acceptable to me.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: Do you have any experience of confrontation with diplomatic pressure from the Taliban that can show how they sought to remove you from power at the United Nations?
Faiq: Pressures from the Taliban and their supporters to hand over Afghanistan’s seat at the United Nations and accept their representative have always existed and still do. This issue has been repeatedly emphasized in the statements and demands of high-ranking Taliban officials and raised with United Nations authorities and influential countries.
This matter has also been raised with me directly or indirectly, though very respectfully, through contacts via my former and current colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have also very respectfully presented my responses and reasons, which are the legitimate and rightful demands of the people of Afghanistan, to them.
Within the Taliban, there are individuals dissatisfied with their supreme leader’s policies who have realized that governance is harder than fighting with foreign support. But this dissatisfaction is not enough. They must not remain silent against incorrect policies and should separate their path. Before Afghanistan falls into another crisis, they must respect the people’s demands, their rights and freedoms, and sincerely strive to establish a system based on the will of the people and ensure lasting peace and stability.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: In your numerous statements and speeches, you have spoken about gender apartheid. Do you think practical steps in this regard will be taken by the international community?
Faiq: Support for the advocacy of women in Afghanistan has always been emphasized in my speeches and positions as one of the legitimate demands of the people of Afghanistan, alongside other fundamental issues. The issue of “gender apartheid” is important not only from the perspective of justice-seeking and holding violators of women’s rights accountable in the United Nations and international law, but also in the process of efforts to draft and recognize it as a “crime against humanity” within the framework of the “Crimes Against Humanity Convention,” whose negotiations are ongoing. Afghanistan and several countries have supported this effort, and it is hoped that it will lead to a broader consensus.
In addition, there are other mechanisms for prosecuting the Taliban, including actions by some countries within the framework of the “Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women” and investigations by the “International Criminal Court.” This issue has been repeatedly reflected in the reports of the United Nations Special Rapporteur, and the issuance of arrest warrants for Taliban leaders is a positive step toward achieving justice.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: Defending the rights of women in Afghanistan has always been central to your positions; what predictions do you have for the future presence of women in the country’s political and social developments?
Faiq: Women in Afghanistan, like women in other countries, especially Islamic countries, must enjoy all their human and Islamic rights and freedoms, and these rights must be restored and guaranteed. They must have meaningful and equal participation in all social, economic, cultural, political, and security arenas, and their rights and freedoms must be recognized and protected under the law so that they can contribute alongside men to Afghanistan’s development and progress.
The discussion of women’s rights and freedoms should not take on an instrumental or symbolic aspect. Afghanistan is a Muslim and traditional country, but our people have always respected women’s dignity and believed in their constructive role in society. Over the past four years, we have witnessed persistent and courageous struggles by women’s groups, both inside and outside the country. These efforts and continuous advocacies have been able to create a resistant wall against the Taliban and their misogynistic policies and keep hope alive for a more just future.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: In your speeches at the UN Security Council and General Assembly, you have repeatedly condemned the ban on women’s activities. In your opinion, to what extent have women’s street protests played a role in focusing the international community?
Faiq: The protests and advocacies of women and girls in Afghanistan, as well as their arrests, mistreatment, torture, and even sexual violence by the Taliban, have been reflected in the reports of the Secretary-General, UNAMA, the Special Rapporteur on human rights, and statements by Security Council members, and these Taliban actions have been condemned. In all Security Council resolutions, the Taliban have been clearly asked to end these policies.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: Can you describe an example of a proposal or statement resulting from women’s protests or armed resistance that has directly influenced international negotiations or resolutions?
Faiq: Yes, one month ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a very important resolution on the situation in Afghanistan. This resolution, whose negotiations lasted more than a month and in which Afghanistan’s permanent representation also played an active role, strongly condemns the Taliban’s repressive policies and restrictions on women’s rights and freedoms and calls for the abolition of these policies. This resolution addresses in detail all political, security, economic, social, humanitarian, and human rights dimensions, especially the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
One of the strong and clear reasons why the Taliban have not yet been recognized is the issue of women’s and girls’ rights and freedoms, and their struggles in this regard.
Since the Taliban seized power until now, the issue of women’s and girls’ rights and freedoms in Afghanistan has consistently been featured in the speeches of the Secretary-General, the United Nations spokesperson, Security Council press statements, Special Rapporteurs’ reports, Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, reports of various United Nations institutions and delegations that have traveled to Afghanistan and raised these issues directly with Taliban authorities—all are examples that can be mentioned. The issue of armed resistance is mentioned in the Secretary-General’s reports, but overall, most countries have always emphasized finding a political solution.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: Why, even after hundreds of protests, is there no serious media or political reflection at the level of the UN Security Council or General Assembly? Do you consider this a diplomatic failure or a structural problem of the United Nations?
Faiq: Over the past four years, the world has witnessed profound political, economic, and security transformations, including the emergence of new international conflicts. These crises, along with the rise of emerging economic and military powers, have seriously challenged the post-World War II international order and the globalization process, even reversing its course.
The United Nations’ inability to achieve sustainable development goals, advance peace-building missions, and prevent wars has led to the erosion of this organization’s credibility. Simultaneously, the rise of nationalist or right-wing governments has created new alignments around national interests. The increase in poverty and widespread waves of migration have also imposed additional pressures on governments.
These developments have directly impacted how the Afghanistan issue and other key items on the United Nations agenda, especially the Security Council, are addressed. Differences in viewpoints and bilateral rivalries among major powers, particularly permanent members of the Council, and alignments resulting from the Ukraine crisis, the Gaza war, and the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, have prevented the formation of an effective consensus, and as a result, the Afghanistan issue has been marginalized.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: In meetings, you have said that under Taliban rule, terrorist groups operate with impunity. Apart from official meetings, in sidebar and even private conversations with country officials, how seriously and realistically have these statements been taken?
Faiq: This issue is an undeniable and documented truth. Based on the documented and official report of the UN Security Council’s sanctions monitoring team (24 July 2025), the Taliban, as the “de facto government,” continue to provide a relatively free space for the activities of terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP), Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and other groups. This situation poses a serious threat to regional security, especially in Central Asia. The report emphasizes that Al-Qaeda, with Arab-origin fighters, is present in at least 6 provinces of Afghanistan and has established joint training camps with TTP. The Taliban also utilize groups such as Jamaat Ansarullah, IMU, and ETIM for internal suppression, while the transfer of foreign fighters and the use of child suicide bombers and women as logistical agents have increased.
I have always shared these concerns, based on national interests and credible reports, both publicly and in unofficial meetings, with countries. The international community and regional countries also seriously follow these threats. Effective counter-terrorism requires a legitimate and trustworthy government in Afghanistan. The Taliban lack this credibility and transparency, and their actions are more instrumental, illegal, and lacking accountability.
The fight against terrorism must be transparent and real, not instrumental or based on selective or double-standard policies. Regional countries, especially Pakistan, must realize that dual policies toward terrorism have disastrous consequences for everyone, particularly for regional peace and stability. We are witnessing an increase in terrorist activities by Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan and terrorist attacks in that country. In the fight against terrorism, there is no “good terrorist” and “bad terrorist.”
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: You say the international community conditions engagement with the Taliban on restoring women’s rights, respecting human rights, and forming an all-inclusive government. Do you think the Taliban will be ready to comply with these conditions?
Faiq: This is the demand of the majority of the people of Afghanistan, but the Taliban, especially their leadership, show no readiness or flexibility toward the demands of the international community and the people. Their view of women and power is based on an extremist and distorted interpretation of Islam that is inherently inflexible.
From a religious and national perspective, this view not only contradicts the true teachings of Islam but also poses a serious obstacle to Afghanistan’s welfare, justice, peace, and progress. In today’s world, where countries are developing with science and technology, such policies have no place and have been rejected by prominent Islamic scholars worldwide.
Solving Afghanistan’s problem is not possible merely by reopening girls’ schools. As long as the Taliban’s mindset toward women, youth, minorities, and the concept of legitimate governance does not change, and until meritocracy, social justice, the will of the people, and the rule of law become the foundation, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan will not be achievable.
The country’s development requires an inclusive, high-quality education system free from extremist thinking. By promoting jihadist schools and the Taliban mindset, not only progress but also liberation from poverty and dependency will not be possible.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: What are the ways to prevent further isolation of Afghanistan? In what framework should humanitarian aid continue?
Faiq: If the Taliban end the policies that have caused this situation and comply with the demands of the people of Afghanistan and the international community, this could rescue Afghanistan from its current state. The ruling regime in Syria is a clear example. But unfortunately, over the past four years, the Taliban have shown no change or flexibility in the direction of the interests of the people of Afghanistan and their demands.
In such conditions, there is an urgent need for cohesion among Taliban opposition groups, national-minded forces committed to democratic values, the rule of law, and justice. We should not wait for support from foreign countries and individuals who caused the fall and surrender of the republican system to find a solution, as everyone pursues their interests. Real cohesion among Taliban opposition forces—including genuine and credible representatives of women, youth, civil society, political activists, democratic forces, and the diaspora—is essential for finding common and coordinated solutions.
Also, at the international level, the United Nations, especially the Security Council, major powers, regional countries, and donor countries must reach an agreement on a coherent and coordinated approach toward Afghanistan and in determining a common position regarding the Taliban.
In the next step, with the support and cooperation of relevant countries, an inclusive political dialogue based on a political roadmap grounded in the recommendations of the Secretary-General’s independent assessment report, under the auspices and management of the United Nations, should begin. In this process, credible representatives of all stakeholders, including democratic and anti-Taliban forces, women, youth, civil and political activists, should participate and agree on a political solution based on the legitimate demands of the people of Afghanistan.
From a humanitarian perspective, delivering humanitarian aid, despite serious concerns about Taliban misuse and the obstacles they create, is essential, and stopping it would harm the needy people. Therefore, this aid must continue, but in transparent frameworks with precise and continuous monitoring to ensure it reaches the rightful recipients and prevents Taliban misuse and political exploitation.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: Given the gap between the Taliban, the international community, and the people of Afghanistan, what is your political outlook for the future? What scenarios do you consider more likely?
Faiq: There is no doubt that both in the past and now, the Taliban have been and are used as a proxy and cheap militant group to advance the interests and manage the security concerns of some countries and major powers. But now that they have taken control of the government, they are in a completely different position; because governance requires expertise, knowledge, experience, prudence, commitment, and patriotism within the framework of national interests to manage the country’s administration cycle, provide services to the people, and formulate national strategies for the country’s development and progress.
These capacities do not exist among the Taliban. Most Taliban leaders and fighters lack the necessary knowledge and rely only on limited religious knowledge, even that with a distorted and extremist reading. The scope of abuses, administrative and moral corruption, injustice, and crimes, and the implementation of divisive linguistic and religious policies is increasing. This has caused them to act in opposition to democratic values and citizens’ fundamental rights—especially the right to education and work for women and girls. Such a situation is unacceptable from a national perspective for the people of Afghanistan, especially the aware and patriotic strata.
In addition, the Taliban’s violent policies, including the elimination of opponents, torture, killing of civilians and former security forces, and forced displacements, have expanded the space for hatred and enmity. People’s dissatisfaction due to increasing poverty, unemployment, lack of social justice, and an inclusive structure is on the rise. These factors ultimately provide the ground for rebellion and disobedience in society and, in the end, create deep concerns about the resumption of violence and the bitter experiences of civil wars.
In the international arena, the Taliban’s extremist policies have created serious concerns in the region and beyond. Establishing jihadist schools, providing safe havens for foreign fighters and terrorist groups, and maintaining relations with these groups pose a serious threat not only to the people of Afghanistan but also to regional and global security.
Based on Afghanistan’s political history experiences, it can be predicted that any regime not based on the will of the people, that pursues repressive, tyrannical, and divisive policies, and lacks national and international legitimacy, will not last long.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: In your opinion, with what approaches have the United States, Europe, China, and Russia engaged with the Taliban? What impact have the differences in these countries’ views had on your positions at the United Nations?
Faiq: The engagement of these countries with the Taliban is shaped based on each country’s foreign policy priorities and national interests. Some of these countries view the Taliban as a tool to achieve their interests. Regional countries, including China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian countries, primarily have an economic and commercial approach. At the same time, concerns about terrorism and drug trafficking have also driven them to engage with the Taliban, and they believe they can manage these challenges through dialogue and interaction with the Taliban.
In contrast, countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western countries and members of the European Union have emphasized principles and values more. The core of these countries’ policies is based on human rights, especially the rights of women and minorities, as well as a structure based on the rule of law and inclusivity. In contrast, the Taliban are trying to use the rivalries of major powers and policies of extortion and hostage-taking in establishing their relations.
It is evident that the contradictory policies and viewpoints of these countries have had a deep and extensive impact on our efforts and positions at the United Nations and continue to do so. There is no doubt that to achieve lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan, we need strong political will, international consensus, and unity of opinion in the international community.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: You have repeatedly emphasized that the Taliban are not legitimate without commitment to human rights. Have the major powers in the Security Council been willing to impose serious conditions on the Taliban’s behavior?
Faiq: Yes, so far, the majority of Security Council member countries, including three permanent members (the United States, the United Kingdom, and France), have always emphasized that until the Taliban make changes in their policies and international commitments regarding human rights, especially ending the ban on education and work for women and girls and forming an inclusive structure, and prove these changes in practice, they should not expect normalization of relations with the international community.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: Countries like China and Russia delay resolutions against Afghanistan. Has this situation not reduced the capacity for your international pressure? How have you confronted this challenge?
Faiq: Unfortunately, there is no international consensus on the situation in Afghanistan and how to engage with the Taliban. The history of five decades of conflict and interference by major powers and regional countries has complicated the situation. Countries’ policies toward Afghanistan are more shaped based on their interests and bilateral rivalries, not the demands of the people of Afghanistan.
From the fall of the monarchical system until now, Afghanistan’s leaders have either been unable or not allowed to adopt an independent and neutral policy, which has itself paved the way for the continuation of foreign interventions. In the current conditions, global crises such as Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel’s recent attacks on Iran have seriously challenged and severely affected our diplomatic efforts.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: Countries such as Russia have removed the Taliban from the list of terrorist groups and recognized them. What positive effect has this approach had on the Taliban’s legitimacy in the international system?
Faiq: In the international system, countries usually act based on their national interests and strategic considerations. The Russian Federation’s decision to remove the Taliban from the list of terrorist groups and recognize them is rooted more in regional considerations, geopolitical rivalries, and pressures that Russia faces following the Ukraine crisis, rather than being based on accepted principles and norms of international law and prevailing custom.
This decision is actually a reflection of political and security interaction between Moscow and the Taliban and is more related to bilateral interests and threats than to a legal evaluation and legitimization within the United Nations framework.
For the Taliban, this action at the level of bilateral relations with Russia can be considered an achievement and a positive step, but at the international level, given the current world conditions and lack of consensus among key players, this action has not had much positive impact on the Taliban’s legitimacy. It can even be said that its negative consequences—including exacerbating divisions among Security Council member countries and creating sensitivities among Western countries and their allies—have been greater than its potential benefits.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: What has been the UN Security Council’s approach at the United Nations? Have resolutions and statements like Resolution 2593 or requests for the return of women’s rights been able to unite the policies of member countries, or have divisions deepened?
Faiq: It seems you mean Security Council Resolution 2681 (April 2023), which is one of the most important resolutions on Afghanistan. This document was issued in response to the Taliban’s ban on women’s work at the United Nations and emphasizes the full and equal participation of women, and condemns the Taliban’s performance.
Differences of opinion among Security Council members, especially given the Ukraine war and countries’ differing geopolitical interests, have prevented the adoption of a unified position toward Afghanistan. Afghanistan, due to its long history of conflict and foreign interventions, has always been a field of competition for major powers.
However, over the past four years, most Council members, including some permanent members, have had common views on issues such as women’s rights, forming an inclusive government, continuing humanitarian aid, and threats from terrorism and narcotics. Close relations of some regional countries with the Taliban have caused differences in positions and prevented full consensus, but in most cases, the periodic president’s statements have been issued with the support of 12 members.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: Given security interests like the fight against ISIS that China, Russia, and some regional countries pursue, there is tangible pressure for deals with the Taliban.
Faiq: In engaging with the Taliban, the majority of regional countries and some European and donor countries emphasize the necessity of engagement, but the motivations differ. Regional countries want unconditional engagement, while some donor countries see it as a tool to encourage the Taliban to change restrictive policies against women, minorities, and form an inclusive government. Another reason for engagement is delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan, which has played a vital role over the past four years through the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, although the Taliban have misused this aid.
Shared security concerns, including the threat of terrorism and drug trafficking, are also factors in engagement. However, there are differences of opinion, as the Taliban have collaborated with terrorist groups over the past two decades, and their claims in fighting terrorism are not credible to many countries.
Regarding ISIS, Russia has serious concerns, and the Taliban are trying to turn the fight against it into a tool for gaining concessions; but for many countries, the Taliban themselves are an extremist group under United Nations sanctions and linked to terrorist groups that still exist.
The Hasht-e Subh Daily: To what extent have street protests and civil resistance been able to have a reflection in Security Council or United Nations resolutions or statements?
Faiq: This question has been raised before and answered. Advocacy and civil struggles, especially by women’s groups in Afghanistan, both inside the country and abroad, in defense of their fundamental rights and freedoms, have been reflected in various reports—including the Secretary-General’s reports, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan—and also in declarations and documents of various international organizations and institutions.
These efforts have had a direct and significant impact on statements, declarations, announcements, and resolutions of the United Nations, including the Security Council, General Assembly, relevant committees, and the Human Rights Council. One of the strong arguments for many countries’ positions is these official documents, which they cannot ignore. These documents can, in the future, pave the way for achieving justice and prosecuting and holding perpetrators of crimes against humanity.
You can read the Persian version of this interview here:
گفتوگو با نصیر احمد فایق: در چهار سال گذشته قاطعانه از مردم افغانستان دفاع کردم
