Pakistan-Russia relations uplifted 2014 onwards when both countries had signed a defence pact. The deal laid down an exchange of intelligence and promotion of cooperation on international security.
The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) said the evacuated Afghan sportswomen had been "in a position of danger" and "many athletes" were still at risk.
For years, there was a debate as to whether Mujahid was even a single person -- his moniker serving as cover for the Taliban's sprawling information wing.
Many Afghans fear a repeat of the brutal five-year Taliban regime that was toppled in 2001, and violent retribution for working with foreign militaries, Western missions and the previous US-backed government.