By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan

Former Afghan Mujaheddin leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Saturday called on the government to provide "safe zones"' to the Taliban in a bid to encourage them to join peace process.

Addressing a news conference at his party headquarters in Kabul, Hekmatyar said he has shared a comprehensive peace strategy draft with the government, which includes establishing ‘safe zones’ for the Taliban in different parts of the country.

“These proposals are also under consideration in the White House and Pentagon”, Hekmatyar said, adding the Afghan government is also deliberating upon his proposals.

A number of local politicians are criticizing Hekmatyar for what they called floating the idea of “handing over” a number of provinces to the Taliban. Today, Hekmatyar rejected proposing such a thing.

Meanwhile, the Taliban have reportedly rejected the idea of “safe zones”. According to the local Azadi Radio, Zabihullah Mujahed, the Taliban spokesman, has termed the idea as an act of practically “dividing Afghanistan.”

In June 2017, following his landmark return after some 20 years of self-imposed exile, Hekmatyar reaffirmed his support for the government in Kabul led by President Ashraf Ghani, with whom he inked the peace deal in September 2016.

The 69-year-old now resides next to the headquarters of his political party in the heart of Kabul, and has pledged on numerous occasions to mediate between the Taliban and the government.

Earlier this year, President Ghani outlined the government’s comprehensive peace strategy towards the Taliban urging the rebels to respect the Constitution, shun violence and terrorism, and in return get the recognition as a political party.

The Taliban have not formally responded to the call.