In a surprising statement, the spokesperson of the Afghan Taliban has termed Pakistan’s governance system unIslamic, saying that the Pakistan government does not consider Islam important enough. The Taliban also distanced themselves from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and denied the impression that they were a ‘branch’ of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
During a video, shared on social media, the TTP chief Mufti Noor Wali Mahsud said that the group worked under the “umbrella” of the IEA.
While addressing a group of men, during his alleged visit to Pakistan’s northern areas, Mahsud said “Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan is a branch of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, [and] is a part of that umbrella on this land”.
In video released by TTP, which covers visit of its chief Noor Wali Mehsud to Northern Zone, he can be seen declaring TTP as branch of Afg Taliban in Pakistan while addressing supporters.
“TTP is a branch of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, it is part of the same umbrella”. pic.twitter.com/BkrPwBwQil
— Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud (@IhsanTipu) December 9, 2021
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson of the Afghan Taliban, in an interview with Arab News, rejected the claim made by Mahsud.
“They are not, as an organisation, part of IEA and we don’t share the same objectives,” Mujahid is quoted as saying by the publication.
“We advise TTP to focus on peace and stability in their country. This is very important so they can prevent any chance for enemies to interfere in the region and in Pakistan. And we request Pakistan to look into their demands for the better of the region and Pakistan.”
Terming the TTP an internal matter of Pakistan, Mujahid said, “The IEA stance is that we do not interfere in other countries affairs. We do not interfere in Pakistan’s affairs”.
