Ahmad Wali Massoud, head of Wifaq-e-Milli political movement, on Wednesday said that many of those who are “chanting the slogans of peace” in fact have no trust in peace and that such groups see peace as a project rather than dealing responsibly with national issues.

Massoud warned that if the motive behind the peace process is to reach a political agreement with the Taliban for power-sharing, such an attempt will never help the Afghans to achieve lasting peace. 

“There is no will among those who are chanting the slogan for peace,” Massoud told a gathering of his supporters. “Even if they talk about peace, it is a political assertion, it is a secret, it is for making deals, it is like a project, it is a business and it is populistic.” 

Other members of the movement said the peace process has reached a deadlock. 

“We all know that what the Taliban and Dr. Ghani talk about cannot bring peace to Afghanistan,” said Gul Rahmani Qazi, a member of the movement. “How would it be possible that Afghanistan achieves peace if (President) Ghani remains in power.” 

Meanwhile, a group of lawmakers on Wednesday announced the formation of a new group called “Defending the Republic” aimed at protecting democratic values in the country. 

“We live under this system and will support it,” said Amir Gul Shaheen, an MP. 

They also called on the Afghan people to mobilize for peace and put pressure on the both sides of the conflict to agree on a political settlement.