Pakistan must face consequences for its shameful actions: Mujahid

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has slammed Pakistan for targeting civilians in airstrikes on Afghan territory, stating that Islamabad must face consequences for its shameful act.

The Pakistani military carried out airstrikes on a religious seminary in southeastern Paktika and on residential areas in Behsud district of eastern Nangarhar province on Saturday night.

According to reports, 13 members of a single family, including women and children, were killed in Nangarhar, while five others remain missing. Nine additional civilians were reportedly injured in the attacks.

Zabihullah Mujahid, IEA chief spokesman, told Al Arabiya English in an exclusive interview: “Naturally, there will be a military response, but the details are confidential and I cannot elaborate further. Pakistan must face consequences for its shameful actions.”

He stated that Pakistan had targeted civilians rather than militants. “Unfortunately, whenever attacks occur inside Pakistan, they immediately attribute them to Afghanistan without evidence and accuse us. We reject this. Afghan soil will not be allowed to be used against anyone,” he said.

Mujahid also dismissed claims that Afghanistan permits militant groups to operate from its territory. He stated that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has no presence in Afghanistan.

“These are Pakistan’s internal problems. TTP controls large areas inside Pakistan itself. They can live there; they do not need Afghan soil. And we would not allow them to use Afghan soil in the first place,” he explained.

He added that Pakistan had failed to provide evidence to substantiate its claims. “Without presenting proof or evidence, they simply make allegations, conduct propaganda and then take actions that we consider unforgivable.”

Mujahid added that Pakistan harbouring Islamic State (IS), also known as Daesh, militants rather than combating them. “Instead of suppressing ISIS, Pakistan has provided them with safe havens,” he said.

He characterised Islamabad’s approach as deliberately fostering instability and insecurity in the region, saying: “We believe a particular military circle within Pakistan has been tasked with destabilising the region.”

Mujahid stressed that the IEA has conducted extensive operations against ISIS within Afghanistan. “We carried out a very serious campaign against ISIS in Kabul and other provinces. We eliminated them. They have no physical presence in Afghanistan.”

He called on regional countries, particularly Muslim-majority nations, to condemn Pakistan’s actions and pressure Islamabad to change course.

“We want all countries to support the security and stability established in Afghanistan and help strengthen it so we can move the region towards lasting stability,” he said.

“We want regional and Islamic countries to recognise their responsibility and persuade Pakistan to change its approach. Countries should use their influence to prevent such incidents from occurring again.”

Mujahid concluded that Islamabad should focus on resolving its own security challenges without blaming Kabul. “Security problems inside Pakistan have nothing to do with Afghanistan. They should address their own issues and not further damage relations, because that harms both countries and the region.”

kk/sa