Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi Takes Temporary Charge as Deputy Prime Minister in Afghanistan
Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, has taken on the additional role of Deputy Prime Minister on a temporary basis. Muttaqi is now responsible for overseeing the internal and external policies of the Islamic Emirate, a key function typically handled by the Political Deputy Prime Minister.
The announcement was made by Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who cited the temporary takeover as a result of the illness of Political Deputy Prime Minister Mawlawi Abdul Kabir. According to Mujahid, Muttaqi will manage both domestic and foreign policy matters, while other tasks and activities of the Political Deputy Prime Minister’s office will be carried out by its head.
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir has been absent from meetings and visits with officials from other countries for nearly three months. Hassan Haqyar, head of the media directorate of the Political Deputy Prime Minister, explained that Kabir, though providing advice to the government, has refrained from visiting his office on medical advice to take a rest.
While the government expressed hope for Kabir’s return to duties in the coming days, political analysts emphasized the importance of transparency in government affairs. They called for the Islamic Emirate to share information with the public, including details about changes, meetings, travel, and other relevant matters, to address concerns and dispel potential misinformation. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir’s most recent formal meeting was on September 4, 2023, with the former Turkish ambassador, after which he did not engage in any official meetings.
