Maldives to bring back ambassador over meeting with Taliban representative

The Maldivian government has decided to return its High Commissioner in Pakistan, Mohamed Thoha, back to the country following a meeting he had with a representative of Afghanistan.

The meeting took place with Afghanistan's Ambassador to Pakistan Sardar Ahmed Shakeeb last Friday in Islamabad. Pictures of the meeting made rounds on social media shortly after, sparking speculation of whether Maldives has accepted the Taliban regime's legitimacy in Afghanistan.

The Maldivian Foreign Ministry issued a statement in response, clarifying that the meeting was not sanctioned by the government.

"Consequently, appropriate action has been taken by the Government of Maldives," the statement read, adding that "The Government of Maldives is guided by the practice followed by the United Nations General Assembly when questions arise about the representative character of a government. Consistent with this practice, the Maldives recognises the Government representing Afghanistan at the United Nations as the legitimate Government of Afghanistan."

The Taliban took over the administration of Afghanistan after toppling the then government, following the departure of American troops after 20 years. Three years on, however, many countries and international bodies are yet to accept the Taliban government.

High Commissioner Thoha was first planned to be appointed as a Maldivian representative to Saudi Arabia, but just after the Parliament's approval of his appointment, the Maldivian government decided to post him in Pakistan. The reason was never revealed.

Thoha presented his credentials to Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari on August 14 this year.