Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban government in Afghanistan, has addressed the growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan in a recent interview. His remarks come as Pakistan continues to express alarm over terrorist groups, particularly the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), using Afghan soil to launch attacks. Afghan authorities, however, have consistently denied these allegations.
In an interview with Imtiaz Gul, the executive director of the Islamabad-based think tank Centre for Research and Security Studies, Mujahid advised leaders to avoid “provocative” statements, which he said can spoil the environment and lead to unwise military action. He stressed that dialogue and increased visits between the two countries are essential to build trust and resolve issues.
Mujahid stated that his government is “unhappy with the current environment and propaganda” and that it is not in the interest of either nation. He highlighted that militant and terrorist attacks in Pakistan are not a new phenomenon, having occurred since 2003. He urged Pakistan to take its own steps to foil such attacks and to share intelligence with Kabul so they can also work to counter these threats. However, he maintained that Afghanistan cannot be held responsible for every bomb blast in Pakistan.
When asked by Gul about Pakistan’s stance that the TTP’s presence in Afghanistan constitutes a “red line,” Mujahid clearly stated that the TTP is Pakistan’s “internal issue” and that Islamabad should not spoil its ties with Kabul over the matter. He assured that Afghanistan is making efforts to ensure “no one uses its soil against any other country” but acknowledged that the difficult terrain in some areas might be exploited. He concluded by conveying a message to the leaders and people of Pakistan that Afghanistan desires “brotherly ties” and that issues should be resolved through “negotiations” rather than accusations and threats.
