Mujahid: IEA acts solely in self-defense, denies any aggression

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) on Thursday said Pakistan’s internal conflict was a longstanding domestic issue and Islamabad is trying to shift responsibility onto Afghanistan, reaffirming that Kabul’s foreign policy prioritizes mutual respect and dialogue.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the IEA’s chief spokesperson, told a press conference that since returning to power, the Islamic Emirate has sought constructive and positive relations with neighboring countries and the wider international community, and remains committed to that approach.

He said the IEA has consistently worked to promote security and stability in the region and to ensure that no country is harmed from Afghan territory.

According to Mujahid, in line with this policy, the IEA waged a prolonged, difficult and decisive campaign against Daesh, protecting not only Afghanistan but also the broader region from what he described as a serious security threat.

He said the Islamic Emirate has never committed aggression against any country and has repeatedly assured neighboring states and the international community that Afghan soil would not be used against others, adding that it remains committed to this pledge.

“Our foreign policy is based on mutual respect, and we do not seek hostility or harm against anyone,” Mujahid said. “Pakistan’s internal conflict is entirely its domestic matter and not a new issue. For nearly two decades, fighting has continued between Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Pakistani army.”

He noted that TTP announced its presence in Pakistan’s tribal areas in 2007, after which Islamabad launched a series of military operations there, including the large-scale Operation Zarb-e-Azb in 2014.

Mujahid said the Islamic Emirate has been in power for nearly four years and described it as unreasonable for Pakistan to attribute its longstanding internal challenges to Afghanistan. He alleged that Pakistan had sought to project its domestic conflicts onto Afghan territory.

“On several occasions, it was they who initiated aggression, violating our airspace and carrying out airstrikes against civilians,” he said. “In those attacks, innocent civilians — including women and children — were targeted, which constitutes a clear violation of international norms.”

He cited what he called the Jalalabad incident as a recent example, claiming that a civilian home belonging to a farmer was bombed despite the absence of any military facility, killing most of his family members. He also alleged that a religious madrasa for children was struck in Paktika province.

Despite these incidents, Mujahid said the Islamic Emirate had consistently sought to resolve tensions through dialogue and mutual understanding, though, he added, such efforts had not prevented further incidents.

“We have only exercised our legitimate right of self-defense and have never committed aggression,” he said. “Ceasefires were agreed upon in previous negotiations, but they were violated by Pakistan.”

He reiterated that the Islamic Emirate continues to favor a peaceful resolution of disputes and remains willing to address outstanding issues through talks.

sa