منیژه باختری: افغان سفارتکار جنھوں نے طالبان کے حکم پر عہدہ چھوڑنے سے انکار کیا اور جو ایک کمرے سے سفارتخانہ چلاتی ہیں
⟶ Manizha Bakhtari, an Afghan diplomat, continues to operate the embassy in Pakistan despite the Taliban's decree for her to step down. She reportedly runs the embassy from a single room. Her decision to remain in her post followed the Taliban's takeover and the public display of the former Afghan Prime Minister Najibullah's body.
پہلی مرتبہ طالبان کے اقتدار پر قبضے کے بعد اُن کے شوہر نے جب سابق افغان وزیر اعظم نجیب اللہ کی لاش کو کھمبے سے لٹکا دیکھا، تو باختری اور اُن کے اہلخانہ نے پاکستان جانے کا فیصلہ کیا۔
Background
Following the Taliban's rapid military advance and seizure of power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the previous Afghan government collapsed. International recognition of the Taliban government has been limited, and many Afghan diplomatic missions have faced uncertainty regarding their legitimacy and operational status. The Taliban have sought to assert control over all state institutions, including embassies abroad, often replacing personnel appointed by the former administration.
Why it matters
Bakhtari's defiance highlights the ongoing struggle for legitimacy and control over Afghanistan's international representation. It underscores the division between the Taliban's directives and the continuation of operations by officials from the previous regime. Her actions represent a refusal to cede diplomatic power to the new authorities.
Possible impact
Her continued operation, though from limited facilities, maintains a physical presence for the Afghan diplomatic mission. This could affect diplomatic relations and international engagement concerning Afghanistan. The situation raises questions about which entity holds legitimate diplomatic authority for Afghanistan on the international stage.