Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid firmly refuted the claims made by Pakistani officials linking recent security breaches into Pakistan to Afghan elements.
Addressing the allegations, Mujahid emphasized Afghanistan’s commitment to ensuring its territory isn’t used for activities harmful to any nation’s security. He stated, “While Afghanistan is determined not to let its soil be used against any nation, it cannot be held accountable for security challenges in other countries”, referring to the allegations made by Pakistani officials.
Mujahid attributed regional unrest to foreign interventions, particularly by the US, and misguided policies of some regional countries over the past two decades. He indicated that repercussions from these interventions persist today.
Highlighting proactive measures, Mujahid shared that over the past Islamic year, Afghanistan had neutralized 18 ISIS terrorists originating from Pakistan who were involved in disruptive activities on Afghan soil. Alongside this, he highlighted the detention of several suspects, reiterating that comprehensive evidence is open for scrutiny.
Mujahid voiced concerns regarding potential threats to religious leaders and institutions. He noted that, acting on these threats, Afghan intelligence agencies have implemented preemptive measures and shared vital intelligence with neighboring countries. He expressed disappointment over the apparent inaction by some nations, despite the shared intelligence.
In his concluding remarks, Mujahid asserted that the responsibility for preventing internal attacks lies with Pakistan’s security apparatus. He pointed out that since the establishment of the Taliban government, there has been a marked enhancement in the security situation both within Afghanistan and the broader region. He suggested that Pakistan focus inwardly to address its security concerns.