Afghanistan never wants unrest in Pakistan, Zabihullah Mujahid
No one is allowed to use Afghan soil against Pakistan. The TTP issue has existed in Pakistan since 2003 — this is an internal problem of Pakistan, which should be resolved within the country.
Kandahar (Sabah News) —
The spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that no one is allowed to use Afghan soil against Pakistan. If anyone does so, “we will arrest him, put him in prison, and punish him.” While speaking with a representative of the Center for Research and Security Studies, he said:
“My message to Pakistan’s rulers and officials is that Afghanistan, as a brother, wants fraternal relations with Pakistan. The difficulties that exist should be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding between the two brotherly countries. Blame-shifting, creating a hostile environment, using force, or establishing an atmosphere that complicates matters is in no one’s interest. We want policy reforms in an appropriate way so that both countries can find solutions in a fraternal atmosphere.”
He added that Pakistan’s scholars, teachers, religious circles, and organizations should play their role so that peace, security, and stability can be established in the region, and so that good, brotherly relations with the Islamic Emirate can be built. He emphasized the need for positive public awareness at both the governmental and societal levels, because this is a region where people share many commonalities. The peoples of both countries are close in terms of religion and language, as well as in trade, economic needs, and cross-border movement. Moreover, due to the presence of refugees, the two countries already share deep relations. In this regard, Pakistan’s scholars and elders can play a positive role on both sides, fostering closeness with the Emirate and the Afghan people, which will be in everyone’s interest.
Zabihullah Mujahid stressed: “Afghanistan never wants unrest, turmoil, or difficulties in Pakistan because the two are close neighbors with deep relations. These ties must be further strengthened and deepened. We must strive for a normal atmosphere in bilateral relations — Pakistan should trust us, and we should trust them — this will serve the best interests of both countries.”
He further said that when comparing Pakistan and Afghanistan’s shared interests, the TTP issue is not something created by Afghanistan. “The TTP issue has existed in Pakistan since 2003 and continues to this day. Pakistan has also acted against them, imprisoned them, yet the problem persists. This is Pakistan’s internal matter, which must be resolved inside the country. Relations with Afghanistan should not be spoiled because of it. Afghanistan is making every effort to ensure that its soil is never used against Pakistan. Armed groups should not be present here to create unrest across the border — we are strictly against this. The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly clarified its stance and its intent is to prevent any issue that might endanger relations with Pakistan.”
He noted that if people exploit mountainous or forested border regions, blame should not be cast recklessly, as this is a shared problem requiring a joint solution. Issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan can be resolved through dialogue and understanding. “Our policy is that we do not want bloodshed, war, or unrest in Pakistan. This reality must be acknowledged, and rational solutions sought. In my view, if politics is reformed, and senior officials avoid making statements that damage the atmosphere or incite public anger, matters can improve. But if high-ranking individuals issue threatening or provocative remarks, then neither reform is possible, nor can anyone prevent escalation, because trust is lost from the other side.”
He demanded that before speaking to the media or worsening the atmosphere, “a reasonable solution should be found, meetings should be arranged, dialogue held, relations improved, and trust cultivated. We are not happy with the current situation. Propaganda from both sides in the media is not in anyone’s interest.”
He said, “Unfortunately, sometimes harsh statements come from Pakistan’s top officials. It is true that the situation there is not good and the problem has existed since 2003, but the solution must be found within Pakistan. Attacks must be prevented in time, and if there is any threat from Afghanistan, information should be shared with us so that we can prevent it. Instead, reactions come only after attacks and bloodshed, or threats are made, which benefit no one but only worsen the atmosphere. For example, if an attack happens in Bannu or any other city, which is far from Afghanistan, Afghanistan cannot be immediately held responsible, because Pakistan’s own forces are present there and it is their duty to maintain order and fulfill their responsibility. However, we should discuss the root causes together. If any threat does exist from Afghan soil, inform us in time, and we will stop it. We have already taken important steps inside Afghanistan.”
Answering a question, Zabihullah Mujahid said: “In the past four years, efforts have been made to build trust, though sometimes these efforts were sabotaged. The fundamental solution, in our view, is that the stance on both sides should be consistent. It should not be the case that some people come here to build mutual trust while others conduct bombings that undermine the atmosphere of confidence. Such double policies and divided intentions cannot create harmony. The better way is to maintain a consistent stance for rebuilding trust. Our position is clear: no official of the Islamic Emirate holds negative views against Pakistan, nor do we want anything of that sort. Pakistan and Afghanistan’s relations are far more important than the TTP issue, and differences over it should not dominate bilateral ties.”