“Taliban See Pakistan as their ‘Second Home:” Mujahid
NEW DELHI, Aug 26: The Taliban see Pakistan as their “second home” and is looking forward to further deepening of ties,” Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson of the extremist group, said.
In an interview to a Pakistani media, Mujahid while talking about the cultural and religious ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan, said, “Afghanistan shares its borders with Pakistan. We are traditionally aligned when it comes to religion; the people of both countries mingle with each other. So we are looking forward to further deepening of ties with Pakistan,” Mujahid said.
The Taliban spokesperson also spoke about India to a great extent as he urged New Delhi to think about the interest of Afghans. He said, “Our desire is that India devises its policy as per the interests of Afghan people.”
Mujahid talked about the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan as well. He said India should “have a positive approach” towards the valley.
Speaking on the issue of increasing tension between India and Pakistan, Mujahid said he was of the view that the two countries should “sit together” and resolve the matters because “both are neighbours and their interests are linked to each other.”
Amidst speculation about the formation of the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan, Mujahid said they would create an “inclusive administration” in which all Afghans would be a part.
“We want a government in Afghanistan that is strong and based on Islam and which all Afghans are part of. We are working on it and wait until we succeed in forming a strong and stable government,” he explained.
The Taliban spokesperson was also seen echoing the group’s narrative about protecting civil rights, especially of women, “We are trying to create an environment conducive to women’s education, work and employment,” he said.
About the resurgence of other extremist militant groups in Afghanistan, including ISIS, he said, “We have said it before that we won’t allow our soil to be used against any other country. Our policy is clear in this regard. The Daesh (ISIS) has no presence in Afghanistan.”
(Manas Dasgupta)
