The UN special rapporteur for Afghanistan's human rights, Richard Bennett, met with local officials in Panjshir, a local official said.

Bennett said that the purpose of his visit was to address concerns about the human rights situation in the province, according to Nasrullah Malik Zada, head of Panjshir's culture and information department.

Mohammad Hassan Hashemi, Panjshir governor, said in the meeting that the human rights situation is better than in previous years, Zada said. 

“Today, the UN special rapporteur arrived in Panjshir and met with the governor. The governor of Panjshir described the current humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as much better than in recent decades,” Zada said. 

Political analysts said they believe that Bennett’s visit to Panjshir is a positive step. 

“The government paved the way for Richard Bennett’s visit to Panjshir. It is a good step because transparency is important for Richard Bennett’s work. This is a positive signal for Afghanistan,” said Torek Farhadi, a political analyst. 

This is Bennett’s first visit to Panjshir.