A senior commander of the Afghan Taliban has issued a warning to militant factions operating under the banner of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), cautioning them against engaging in any violent activities in Pakistan without the explicit approval of the Islamic Emirate’s leadership.
Addressing a passing-out parade of police officials, Saeedullah Saeed noted jihad could only be declared by the amir (supreme leader) of an Islamic state and it was not legitimate to fight against any country, particularly Pakistan.
“Fighting in any country, including Pakistan, without the command of the Amir is against Shariah and considered Fasad (corruption), not legitimate Jihad,” he said, adding those launching operations across borders based on group loyalty or personal motivations are defying Islamic principles and the authority of the Afghan leadership.
“Joining different factions and carrying out jihad abroad does not make one a true mujahid,” he said. “Such actions are rooted in ego and factionalism, not religious duty,” he added.
Saeed stressed that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has banned any unauthorized movement across the Pak-Afghan border, adding such actions amount to disobedience of the leadership.
The Afghan leader’s remarks come amidst persistent tensions between Kabul and Islamabad over the use of Afghan soil by terrorists against Pakistan. Last week, China backed the formal resumption of diplomatic ties between the two states during an informal trilateral engagement in which all three states underscored their shared commitment to countering terrorism and fostering stability and development.