Kabulov: Opposition from SCO Member Blocking Taliban’s Entry

DID Press: Russian Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov has said that opposition from a member state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is preventing the Taliban from advancing toward participation in the regional bloc, with Russian media identifying Pakistan as the principal opponent.

Speaking to Russian newspaper Izvestia, Kabulov said Taliban authorities are seeking full membership in the SCO and maintain contacts with member states. However, because decisions within the organization are made by consensus, opposition from a single member is sufficient to block the process.

While Kabulov did not publicly name the country involved, Izvestia reported that Pakistan is currently the main obstacle to Taliban participation in the organization.

Afghanistan was granted observer status in the SCO in 2012, but following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Kabul’s participation in the organization effectively ceased. Afghanistan’s last official involvement in SCO meetings took place in 2020.

Russian analysts cited by the report argue that deteriorating relations between the Taliban and Pakistan are a major factor behind Islamabad’s position. Tensions have intensified over border clashes, cross-border attacks, and Pakistani allegations that the Taliban provide sanctuary to members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan.

Experts also noted that even if Pakistan were to withdraw its objections, another significant hurdle remains: the lack of unanimous international recognition of the Taliban administration among SCO member states. According to analysts, formal participation will remain difficult until member countries reach consensus on the group’s legal and diplomatic status.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to deepen engagement with Kabul. Kabulov confirmed that Taliban representatives are expected to participate again this year in the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan. He also referred to a technical-military cooperation agreement reached in May, describing it as a legal framework for expanding future cooperation.

The remarks come as Moscow has intensified political, security, and economic contacts with the Taliban, a development that could influence regional dynamics and Afghanistan’s future engagement with multilateral organizations.