KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban have condemned recent remarks by Pakistan’s military spokesperson on Afghanistan’s political structure and terrorism, calling them “irresponsible, provocative, and unfounded propaganda.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesperson, said remarks by Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry were “detached from facts” and inconsistent with the standards expected of a professional military. He urged Pakistani authorities to focus on domestic issues and avoid spreading false narratives about Afghanistan.
Earlier on Tuesday, Chaudhry told a press briefing that the Taliban are not a legitimate government but a group that has “occupied” Afghanistan, and claimed that dozens of terrorist organizations operate under their rule.
Chaudhry cited the 2020 Doha Agreement between the United States and the Taliban, which he said obligated the group to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism, form an inclusive government, and respect women’s rights. He alleged that Afghanistan has instead become a hub for terrorist activities and a safe haven for regional and international militant groups and smuggling networks.
Chaudhry also criticized the Taliban’s growing closeness to India, saying the group has found a “new hero” in the form of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning that his country is prepared to respond if the Taliban, together with India, attempt to confront Pakistan.
In response, Mujahid said the Taliban do not allow Afghan territory to be used for attacks against other countries and described Afghanistan as “an independent and stable country with a strong security structure and decisive leadership.” He called on Pakistani authorities to adopt a “responsible and measured” approach in their statements.
“The Islamic Emirate [Taliban] firmly condemns these irresponsible and provocative remarks and urges the relevant Pakistani institutions to refrain from unfounded propaganda about Afghanistan,” Mujahid said.
Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban, once close allies, have sharply deteriorated in recent months. The two sides have clashed along the border, and Pakistan carried out multiple strikes inside Afghanistan last year targeting alleged TTP locations, including in Kabul.
Despite Taliban denials, multiple reports, including from the United Nations, indicate that more than 20 terrorist groups, including ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and the TTP, continue to operate in Afghanistan. The ongoing security concerns continue to strain ties between Islamabad and the Taliban, disrupting trade and border movements and heightening regional tensions.
