Taliban Accuses Pakistan of Harboring ISIS, Calls for Extradition of Leaders

Kokcha News Agency – Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban, held a press conference on Sunday, October 20, where he made several significant allegations against Pakistan. Mujahid claimed that ISIS leaders are operating from within Pakistan, specifically in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and are being transported to Afghanistan, Iran, and Russia via Karachi and Islamabad.

In a press conference on Sunday, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid made serious allegations against Pakistan, accusing it of destabilizing Afghanistan and violating its airspace. Mujahid stated that Pakistan has been targeting public areas near the Durand Line with airstrikes, which he described as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

Mujahid emphasized that Afghanistan has the right to defend its territorial and airspace integrity, and that any violation will be met with a strong response. He also accused Pakistan of trying to create divisions among Afghans by spreading false narratives and manipulating public opinion.

The Taliban spokesperson highlighted that Afghanistan is currently experiencing political and economic progress, but Pakistan’s actions are aimed at disrupting this progress. He accused a specific faction within the Pakistani military of orchestrating these destabilizing efforts, including airstrikes and border clashes.

Mujahid also claimed that Pakistan is attempting to exploit certain Afghans by spreading false ideologies and turning them against their own country’s national security. He stressed that Afghanistan will not tolerate any external interference and will continue to defend its sovereignty.

Mujahid called on the Pakistani government to either dismantle these ISIS centers or hand over their leaders to Afghanistan. He stated, “We demand that Pakistan either eliminate these centers or extradite their leaders to Afghanistan.”

The Taliban spokesperson also accused a “specific faction” within the Pakistani military of attempting to destabilize Afghanistan and create divisions among its people. He claimed that this faction is not only targeting Afghanistan but also causing internal instability within Pakistan itself.

Mujahid addressed recent border clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces, stating that Afghan forces had captured over 20 Pakistani posts but decided to halt the conflict following mediation by Qatar. He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will not tolerate any violation of its airspace or territorial integrity, referencing Pakistan’s recent airstrikes on Afghan soil.

Mujahid further accused Pakistan of harboring terrorist groups, including ISIS, and allowing them to carry out attacks in neighboring countries. He stated, “Pakistan has, with great impunity, provided safe haven to terrorist groups, including ISIS, who are carrying out attacks in Iran, Russia, Uzbekistan, and other countries in the region, killing innocent people.”

The Taliban spokesperson also discussed Afghanistan’s improved security situation, claiming that the country’s borders are fully under control and that illegal activities have been significantly reduced. He attributed this success to the efforts of the Ministry of Defense and other security agencies.

Mujahid reiterated that Afghanistan seeks peaceful relations with its neighbors, including Pakistan, but will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty. He also highlighted the Taliban’s efforts to maintain stability in the region, despite what he described as “malicious propaganda” aimed at creating fear and division among the Afghan people.

Key Points from the Press Conference:

1. ISIS Leaders in Pakistan: Mujahid claimed that ISIS leaders are operating from within Pakistan and called for their extradition to Afghanistan.
2. Destabilization Efforts: He accused a faction within the Pakistani military of attempting to destabilize Afghanistan and create divisions among its people.
3. Border Clashes: Mujahid stated that Afghan forces had captured over 20 Pakistani posts but halted the conflict following mediation by Qatar.
4. Improved Security: He highlighted the Taliban’s success in securing Afghanistan’s borders and reducing illegal activities.
5. Call for Peace: Mujahid reiterated that Afghanistan seeks peaceful relations with its neighbors but will defend its sovereignty if necessary.

Summary:
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has accused Pakistan of harboring ISIS leaders and called for their extradition to Afghanistan. He also criticized certain elements within the Pakistani military for destabilizing the region. The Taliban claims to have improved border security and reduced illegal activities, while emphasizing its commitment to defending Afghanistan’s sovereignty. #Taliban #Pakistan #ISIS #BorderSecurity #KokchaNewsAgency

The Taliban’s allegations against Pakistan come amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, particularly over the Durand Line border and the presence of militant groups in the region. The Taliban has repeatedly accused Pakistan of supporting groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS, while Pakistan has accused the Taliban of harboring militants who carry out attacks on Pakistani soil.

The situation is further complicated by the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, which has led to a shift in regional dynamics. Pakistan, which has historically had close ties with the Taliban, now faces challenges in managing its relationship with the group, particularly as the Taliban seeks to assert its independence and sovereignty.

The Taliban’s call for the extradition of ISIS leaders is likely aimed at bolstering its legitimacy as a governing authority in Afghanistan, particularly in the eyes of the international community. However, the group’s ability to effectively combat ISIS and other militant groups remains a significant challenge, given the complex security environment in the region.

As tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to simmer, the role of regional and international actors, including Qatar and other mediators, will be crucial in preventing further escalation and fostering dialogue between the two sides.

• Regional Mediation: The involvement of mediators like Qatar could help de-escalate tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• Counterterrorism Cooperation: Both countries may need to work together to address the threat posed by militant groups like ISIS and the TTP.
• International Support: The international community could play a role in supporting efforts to stabilize the region and promote peace between Afghanistan and Pakistan.