Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of Afghanistan’s Hezb-e Islami party, has criticized what he described as unhealthy political practices, arguing that political movements must be based on clear goals, ideals and principles rather than personal relationships and personal dependencies.
In a post on his X account, Hekmatyar said those interested in politics should not turn it into a “ridiculous game” and should instead pursue politics through genuine ideals, defined objectives and principled approaches.
He said a political movement should bring together people who are genuinely committed to its stated ideals and political principles.
Hekmatyar also criticized the practice of building political parties with what he described as “citizenship-acquired and rented members,” arguing that such an approach cannot produce a healthy political organization.
He further questioned the loyalty of individuals who have previously stood against multiple political sides, asking how such people could demonstrate greater sincerity and loyalty toward a new political group than they had shown toward their previous affiliations.
Hekmatyar did not identify any particular individual or political faction in his remarks. He also did not clarify whom he was referring to by “citizenship-acquired and rented members” or those who had “stood against multiple sides.”
His comments come amid recent differences over political relations with the Taliban. Juma Khan Hamdard, leader of the Alliance of Hezb-e Islami Afghanistan Councils, recently described Hekmatyar’s position regarding relations with Taliban supporters as his personal viewpoint.