The US’s top diplomat for Afghanistan has met with a Taliban delegation in Qatar in a bid to break the deadlock over the peace process.

The group confirmed in a statement released on Saturday that its members met with Zalmay Khalilzad, the Afghan-American diplomat who now heads the US’ mission for Afghanistan’s peace.

Officials from Takhar province confirmed Saturday evening that the death toll at an election rally explosion in Rustaq district of the province on Saturday afternoon has risen to 22 and 36 wounded.

Earlier reports said at least 12 people were killed and 32 others wounded, but Takhar governor spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hijri told TOLOnews that the death toll has risen to 22.