Thu Jul 03 18:21:01 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, focusing on an Indian perspective:
**Summary:**
The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have denied any involvement in the 2022 disappearance of Afghan-American businessman Mahmood Shah Habibi, who was abducted in Kabul. The U.S. government has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his safe return, directly accusing the Taliban’s intelligence unit. The Taliban claims it is investigating the case based on a petition from Habibi’s family, describing him only as an Afghan citizen, and denying any detention by entities affiliated with the “Islamic Emirate.” This denial comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the safety of foreign nationals in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, despite some recent releases of U.S. citizens. This situation puts pressure on the US while they are looking for ways to engage with Afghanistan and creates another challenge to a relationship that is already in tense conditions.
**News Article:**
**The View From India: Taliban Denies Involvement in Missing U.S. Citizen Case**
*Kabul/New Delhi – July 3, 2025* – The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has vehemently denied any role in the disappearance of Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American businessman who was abducted in Kabul in 2022. The denial comes after the United States announced a $5 million reward for information on Habibi’s whereabouts, directly implicating the Taliban’s intelligence unit.
According to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Habibi, who worked for a telecommunications firm, was abducted along with his driver. The FBI has previously stated it believed Habibi was taken by Taliban forces.
“No evidence has been uncovered indicating that he has been detained by any entity affiliated with the Islamic Emirate,” said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, referring to the Taliban’s government. He further stated that they are investigating a petition made by Habibi’s family, framing him as solely an Afghan citizen.
The situation raises concerns about the safety of foreign nationals within Afghanistan, a region of significant geopolitical interest to India. The Taliban’s assurances are unlikely to quell anxieties, particularly given the lack of international recognition for their government and previous instances of detentions involving foreign citizens.
Despite the current denial, multiple U.S. citizens have been released from Taliban custody in recent months, suggesting a potential willingness to negotiate or exchange detainees under certain conditions.
Analysts in India are closely monitoring the situation, recognizing its implications for regional security and stability. The unresolved case of Habibi further complicates the already delicate relationship between the U.S. and the Taliban, and adds another layer of uncertainty to Afghanistan’s future. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in engaging with the Taliban regime and ensuring the safety of foreign nationals operating within Afghanistan’s borders.
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