Taliban leader Abdul Qahar Balkhi speaks about group’s future

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, from the Taliban’s Cultural Commission, has spoken exclusively to Al Jazeera’s Charlotte Bellis.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi from the Taliban’s Cultural Commission has spoken to Al Jazeera in the group’s first official interview since the armed group took over Kabul a week ago. Balkhi revealed his face for the first time on Tuesday at the Taliban’s first press conference, during which he translated for spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. He remains without an official title, as his role is one of many still to be decided in the new government. The Taliban leader said the group wants to move forward and hopes stakeholders – both domestic and international – can cooperate on common interests.