KABUL, Sept 23: The Northern Alliance, backbone of the US-backed government of Hamid Karzai, has issued a strongly worded criticism of the president and warned he was running risks if he did not change his policies.

The warning was carried in an editorial of the Payam-i-Mujahid Weekly, which reflects the views of the dominant Tajik faction of the alliance. It also questioned the prominent role apparently being played by the 87-year-old former king Mohammad Zahir Shah.

“We are of the opinion that Mr Karzai still has the opportunity once again to review his acts and correct his policies,” it said.

“Otherwise, relying on some American guards and walking without deliberation, can ensure risky consequences for Karzai’s government,” it said.

The Payam-i-Mujahid criticized Karzai’s failure to form a parliament during the June Loya Jirga that picked him to head a transitional government for 18 months.

“We think Mr Karzai’s hasty measures during the Loya Jirga — not wanting the establishment of a parliament — have made his authority vague. Sooner or later he has to clarify this and not let the current atmosphere go towards further darkness,” it said.

The weekly said the assassination of Vice-President Haji Abdul Qadir in July, outbreaks of fighting in various parts of the country, bomb blasts in Kabul and an attempt on Karzai’s life this month showed the weakness of his administration.

It said news about Zahir Shah, given the title of “Father of the Nation” by Karzai, seemed to be given more prominence in state-run media than that about the president.

The former king, who ruled for 40 years until 1973, returned from exile in Italy in April, but has no formal role.

“Recently, he has had meetings with a number of personalities and ambassadors of foreign countries which are far from his defined authority,” the magazine said.

On Wednesday, Zahir Shah left Afghanistan for the first time since his return to get medical treatment in France.

Some observers say relations between Karzai and his Tajik deputy and defence minister, Mohammad Qasim Fahim, have been strained. However, both deny this.

The assassination attempt on Karzai on Sept 5 was foiled by bodyguards provided by the United States. The same day a bomb exploded in Kabul, killing 26 people and wounding many more.—Reuters