According to IRAF News Agency, Mohammad Mohaqeq, leader of the Islamic Unity Party of the People of Afghanistan, said in a message marking the start of the 2026 New Year on Thursday (Dec. 31) that while congratulating all those who celebrate the occasion, he stressed the importance of dialogue, constructive engagement and global cooperation to resolve Afghanistan’s crisis.
Mohaqeq referred to the widespread hardships faced by the Afghan people since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, describing the collapse of the economy, rising unemployment and poverty, widespread human rights violations, and the exclusion of women and girls from education and employment as major disasters.
“I hope the new year marks the beginning of stronger relations, reduced tensions, and positive progress in political, economic and social spheres in the region and the world, and especially in our dear Afghanistan,” he said.
He reiterated the need for inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations under United Nations auspices, adding that only through dialogue, drafting a new constitution, holding free elections and respecting human rights can lasting peace be achieved and a legitimate, people-based system be established.
Political opposition coordination against the Taliban
The remarks come as several major political groups opposed to the Taliban—including the Supreme Council of National Resistance, the National Assembly for the Salvation of Afghanistan, and the National Movement for Peace and Justice—have recently announced alignment under the framework of a “National Consensus” meeting.
The meeting was held virtually on Dec. 9, 2025, and is expected to continue in person in Istanbul at a later date.
Figures such as Ahmad Massoud, Atta Mohammad Noor, Yunus Qanuni, Hanif Atmar, Mohammad Mohaqeq and Abdul Rashid Doostam took part in the meeting.
Participants stressed the immediate launch of intra-Afghan talks, the drafting of a new constitution, and guarantees for the participation of women and youth in Afghanistan’s future political structure.
Mohaqeq’s New Year message, alongside these developments, reflects efforts by anti-Taliban political leaders to highlight the necessity of dialogue and national convergence as a path toward lasting peace and a representative political system in Afghanistan.
