Taliban’s ‘Sheikh al-Hadith’ Issues Fatwa for Jihad Against Pakistan

Muhammad Nasim Haqqani, appointed by the Taliban as the head of Sheikh Zayed University in Khost, has issued a fatwa declaring jihad against Pakistan as a “religious obligation.” In a video circulating on social media, Haqqani criticized the Pakistani government, calling it “mercenary” and claiming that its laws are under the influence of “Jews and Christians.”

Haqqani also pointed to internal events in Pakistan, stating that in the country, “a boy marries a boy,” while the scholars of the Haqqani school remain silent. He criticized Pakistani religious figures, including Mufti Taqi Usmani, for refusing to issue a fatwa for jihad against Pakistan. Haqqani accused these scholars of staying silent out of fear of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and said that it would be better for them to be killed or imprisoned than to “corrupt” Muslim scholars. He even prayed for a “heavenly thunderbolt to strike Pakistan.”

In official Taliban newsletters, Haqqani is referred to with titles such as “Sheikh al-Hadith” and “Maulana,” indicating his high religious standing within the group. Haqqani previously served as a spokesperson for the Ministry of State for Disaster Management and is currently the head of Sheikh Zayed University in Khost.

This inflammatory speech comes as Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, the head of the Pakistan Ulema Council, warned the Taliban against interfering in Pakistan’s affairs. Ashrafi stated that the Taliban have no right to make decisions about Pakistan and told them, “We are not your students; you are our students.”

Ashrafi emphasized that Pakistan is an Islamic country and has supported the people of Afghanistan for decades. He pointed out that thousands of Pakistanis have lost their lives in support of the Afghan people and urged the Taliban to act responsibly towards Pakistan.

The Pakistani cleric also noted that some attacks originating from Afghan soil have resulted in the deaths of Pakistani citizens. He addressed the Taliban, saying, “The wars you have fought were for our sacrifices. If you are not aware, ask: Is it possible that we fight your wars but cannot defend our own homeland?”