The Taliban supreme leader Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada has said the group is engaged in peace talks with ‘utmost seriousness’.

Akhundzada made the remarks in a written message issued ahead of Eid Al-Adha.
He said “Worthwhile steps have been taken by the political office, the process is administered by the political deputy leader and a strong negotiation team is appointed hence you must also pursue this process with sincerity so that effective steps are taken towards a resolution and the eighteen-year tragedy brought to an end.”
Furthermore, Akhundada said “However, the increasing blind and brutal bombings by America during the negotiation process, attacks on civilian areas and the contradictory statements by your military and political officials has generated a cloud of uncertainty about this process and raised doubts about your intentions.”
He also added “Since bilateral trust is the foundation of a successful negotiations process therefore it is imperative that such negative actions are ceased.”
The latest Eid message by Taliban supreme leader was issued amid a sharp rise in violence across the country, mainly due to the Taliban-led insurgency.
The Taliban group on Wednesday claimed the deadly bombing in Kabul city which killed at least 14 people and wounded 145 others, mostly civilians.