Heshmat Ghani Taunts Khalilzad Over Presence at Taliban Oil Deal Signing
Heshmat Ghani Ahmadzai, a political figure and brother of Ashraf Ghani, has accused Zalmay Khalilzad of profiteering in reaction to his حضور at the signing ceremony of the Taliban administration’s oil contract with the Saudi company Delta International. In a message on X, he wrote: “It seems Khalilzad has finally managed to secure and guarantee another commission deal for himself.”
The reaction came after Khalilzad attended the signing ceremony for the $200 million Kashk-Tirپل oil field deal between the Taliban administration’s Ministry of Mines and a Saudi company. His presence at the event, and his meetings with Taliban administration officials, have once again drawn attention to his relationship with and role in the administration’s ongoing dealings.
Observers believe Heshmat Ghani Ahmadzai’s remark points to Khalilzad’s role in the Doha agreement and the process that led to the Taliban administration’s return to power. He is among the figures who have repeatedly criticized Khalilzad’s role in Afghanistan’s political developments in recent years.
In recent days, Khalilzad’s presence alongside Taliban administration officials has triggered widespread reactions among some Afghan political figures. These reactions have once again highlighted debate over his place and role in Afghanistan’s current developments.
Zalmay Khalilzad was the former U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan peace and played a central role in the talks leading to the Doha agreement, a deal signed between the United States and the Taliban administration in 2020.
