Less than two weeks ago, Afghanistan and Pakistan made efforts toward improving relations; Taliban’s supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada declared that the cross-border attacks on Pakistani security forces by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan were “haram,” and formally “terminated the jihad or holy war.” Afghan Defense minister Muhammad Yaqoob stated of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that if they “continue to fight despite orders from the emir to stop, it is not jihad but rather hostility.” But then, an attack by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, in violation of the Taliban’s supreme leader’s declaration, resulted in the Pakistani government responding as if its efforts against the TTP were indeed a jihad. The Pakistani army praised its fallen men for their “martyrdom,” stating that “six brave soldiers having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom after an intense exchange of fire” and “four terrorists were sent to hell.”
I wrote on August 24:
Pakistan’s reaction now raises questions about mutuality in honoring Hibatullah Akhundzada’s previous declaration to formally “terminate holy war” by the TTP, which may well intensify the reaction from the TTP.
Now, Sirajuddin Haqqani, “the Taliban’s powerful interior minister warned Pakistan against using military force to target a militant group in Afghanistan, signaling a possible shift in stance by an influential faction within the government in Kabul.” Haqqani continued to warn about the harm in relations between the two countries if Pakistan continued to fight the TTP instead of engaging in dialogue.
The reaction from Haqqani in defense of the TTP diminishes the previous declaration from Akhundzada to terminate the jihad against Pakistan and declare TPP as nothing but “hostile.”
Only one thing is for certain about jihadists: nothing they say is reliable, enduring or honest. Declarations of principle are all too often a means to an end in the moment. As Afghanistan and Pakistan try to pursue improved relations with one another by reining in the TTP, the relationship between the longtime allies is quickly deteriorating.
“Taliban Warn Pakistan Against Targeting Militants In Afghanistan,” Times of India, August 22, 2023:
The Taliban’s powerful interior minister warned Pakistan against using military force to target a militant group in Afghanistan, signaling a possible shift in stance by an influential faction within the government in Kabul.
Sirajuddin Haqqani, widely seen as a close collaborator with Pakistan’s powerful spy agency, made the comments after Pakistani leaders threatened to target militants operating in Afghanistan for their role in a suicide bomb attack killing more than 60 people. Islamic State, another militant group, claimed responsibility.
“If they want to solve the issue through force in Afghanistan, the two nations that have a lot in common, will be harmed,” Haqqani said on Monday at a public gathering in reference to Pakistan.
He added Islamabad should look at having discussions with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, a local offshoot in Pakistan and one of the militant groups responsible for surge of attacks in the South Asian country….
David M says
This is the only story of Muslims attacking other Muslims for not being Muslim enough for their liking.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
Actually, no, there are similar stories all over the place. Just look at “Palestine”, where you have Hamas vs PIJ vs Fatah, all of whom suspect the others for not being truly islamic!
Keith O says
Excellent. More of the predators v aliens.
Can’t wait for them to go at each other hard.