Mujahid scorns Pakistani defence minster’s claims

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has spurned the Islamabad’s claim that terrorist activities against Pakistan are planned in the neighbouring country.

In a post on X, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged: “The hub of terrorists hitting Pakistan is in Afghanistan.”

“In view of the increase in terrorist incidents, there is a need for a fundamental change in the border situation. The source of terrorism in Pakistan is in Afghanistan and despite our efforts, Kabul is not making any progress in this direction,” Asif wrote.

In response to the accusations, IEA chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said: “We once again reject such claims as baseless. Afghanistan itself has been a victim of war for the last four decades, have its own problems and difficulties. Blaming Afghanistan means dodging responsibility and seeking a justification for failure.”

“I think if Pakistan’s reference is to the TTP, the group has existed there for 20 years. Its members have fought and that is their own problem. If there are other security issues, they are also Pakistan’s internal matter.

“Linking these problems to Afghanistan is unfair and wrong. We reject such accusations and want Pakistan to stop blaming Afghanistan.”

According to the spokesman, a lasting solution to problems should be found within, and importance be accorded to maintaining relations with neighbours. Such incidents amounted to crimes and IEA itself was a victim of Daesh activities, he argued.

“At times, you and I hear and see things. Therefore, everyone should discharge their domestic responsibilities,” he commented.

sa/mud