The union of the Hizb-e-Islami factions at a gathering in Kabul on Friday voiced concerns over what they called a dramatic surge in casualties among Afghan civilians and security forces after the start of Doha peace talks on  September 12 and warned the Taliban that Afghans will not enter into dialogue with them in future if they do not show flexibility in the talks for a the political settlement of the ongoing conflict.

Juma Khan Hamdard, the head of the Union of Hizb-e-Islami Factions, said the peace negotiating team representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was quite weak, calling on both sides of the conflict to take advantage of the current opportunity, compromise on their personal interests, and agree on a ceasefire.  

“Unfortunately, the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan until now has not achieved any gain in their mission,” said Juma Khan Hamdard, the head of Union of Hizb-e-Islami Factions.  

“The war has been imposed by the foreigners, and also, the the peace process is led by foreigners. They do not allow us to achieve a settlement among ourselves,” said Fazl Mohammad Ibrahimi, deputy of Union of Hizb-e-Islami Factions.  

Speakers at the event also lashed out at the regional countries, particularly Pakistan for their controversial role in conflicts in Afghanistan, saying the talks in Doha further increased the dark shadow of war on the Afghan people instead of providing them relief. 

“If the Taliban loses this opportunity, it would be very difficult to revive this process,” said Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, the deputy head of Union of Hizb-e-Islami Factions.  

The union of the Hizb-e-Islami factions was formed last year after some leaders from its leadership council cut their alignment with the Hizb-e-Islami party.