Sources from the leadership team of Jamiat-e-Islami party have said they were not included in the talks where an agreement was reached between government and the former Balkh governor Atta Mohammad Noor.

Jamiat have stated they do not accept the agreement. 

According to sources, Noor and the Presidential Palace only came to an agreement regarding Noor’s successor, the new police chief, and posts at a few ministries and embassies. Jamiat however had a much longer list of demands, a source said.  

According to sources, among the party’s demands also involved the issue of a share for political parties in parliamentary elections, the holding of a constitutional Loya Jirga and the roll out of the National Identity Cards based on the law approved by the president. Sources said these demands have not yet been met.

Noor however said Thursday that all Jamiat’s demands were met. 

“It is good news that tensions resolved between Kabul and Balkh. We hope that this should not be the end of efforts for justice,” MP Fawzia Kofi said.

The issue started three months ago when President Ashraf Ghani accepted a letter of resignation Noor had handed in at an earlier date. However, Noor stated the letter was no longer valid and he refused to step down as Balkh governor.

Noor responded by saying it was a conspiracy on the part of government against him.

“If you make any move, I will pull out your teeth. These strays and escapees who gathered around you can (fight) with my supporters,” Noor had said at the time. 

A rift soon developed between the Presidential Palace and Noor – who launched a public campaign to air his grievances.

In a spate of about 50 televised speeches, he lodged numerous claims including that most government leaders were corrupt.

“They have ridden on people's chests and now govern,” Noor said in one speech. 

In order to resolve the dispute, Jamiat-e-Islami party stepped in and started negotiations with government. 

“Any agreement government makes with the leadership of Jamiat is acceptable to us, even if they tell me to leave Balkh tomorrow,” Noor stated in another speech.  

Finally after three months, Noor said government has accepted all Jamiat’s demands. However, Jamiat rejected this and said all their demands have not been met.  

According to Jamiat party leaders, giving Jamiat a share in government and the fate of the Balkh governor, were only two of their demands but that key demands have not been agreed to.