ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a significant statement, Afghan Taliban commander Saeedullah Saeed has warned militants, particularly those associated with the group Fitna al-Khwarij, against launching attacks on Pakistani forces under the pretext of Jihad, declaring such acts contrary to Shariah and the principles of the Afghan Emirate.
Speaking at a passing-out parade for police officials, Commander Saeed stressed that individuals or groups do not have the authority to declare or wage Jihad on their own, stating this right is solely reserved for the Ameer of the state.
Fighting Pakistan is Not Jihad, Says Taliban Commander
“Those who fight against foreign countries while joining different groups cannot be called a real Mujahid,” Commander Saeed said during his address.
He emphasized that any attacks carried out independently of the leadership’s directives would not be recognized as Jihad but rather as “Fasad,” or mischief, especially if motivated by ego or group loyalties.
“It will be considered ‘Fasad’, not ‘Jihad’, if anybody fights for the sake of ego or on the basis of association with any group,” he added.
The Taliban leader reiterated that engaging in such activities without official sanction constitutes disobedience to the Shariah and the Afghan Emirate’s authority.
Link to Indian Involvement Highlighted
Security experts have noted that the commander’s remarks reinforce Pakistan’s long-standing concerns over cross-border terrorism. They argue that the militant activities of groups like Fitna al-Khwarij are influenced by external actors, particularly Indian intelligence agencies.
According to defence analysts, the statement affirms Pakistan’s narrative that attacks attributed to so-called religious motivations are often acts of terrorism sponsored by Indian proxies aimed at destabilizing the region.
“The so-called ‘Jihad’ of Fitna al-Khwarij at the behest of Indian proxies and the Indian government is terrorism against Shariat, state, and peace,” said one expert.
Shariah and State Authority Reaffirmed
Commander Saeed’s comments serve as a clear message from the Afghan Taliban’s leadership reaffirming their stance on state control over religious declarations such as Jihad. The remarks are also seen as a warning to fringe groups and individuals attempting to exploit religious sentiments for unauthorized militant activities.
His statement follows a pattern of increasing engagement between Afghan and Pakistani authorities on regional security issues, particularly as both countries contend with the growing threat of extremist violence along their shared border.
