As a major international conference got under way in Bonn on the future of Afghanistan after Nato-led combat troops withdraw in 2014, Bild said Karzai was working on a “new organisation of the Afghan central government”, according to a special report by Germany’s BND foreign intelligence service.

“The reason is believed to be Karzai’s wish not to step down, although he has indicated publicly he does not plan to extend his term in office,” Bild quoted the report as saying…

“According to intelligence findings, Karzai is holding exploratory talks with prominent Afghan politicians,” it said.