In a powerful statement against unauthorized jihad, senior Afghan Taliban commander Saeedullah Saeed declared that attacks in Pakistan by non-state groups are not jihad but rebellion. Addressing a police passing-out ceremony, he emphasized that only the state—and specifically the Amir—holds the authority to declare jihad under Islamic law.
Not Every Fight Is Jihad
Saeed warned that individuals or factions who launch operations independently or cross into other countries for violence are committing fasad (corruption), not legitimate jihad. “True mujahideen do not act out of ego or group loyalty,” he said. “They follow the orders of the Amir, not self-styled missions.”
He added that the Islamic Emirate has banned unauthorized movement into Pakistan. Any such act violates both the laws of Shariah and the Emirate’s command. He directly condemned groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan without approval, saying they defy Islamic teachings and endanger regional stability.
Read: Why Youm-e-Takbeer Still Matters to Pakistan
Strengthening Pakistan’s Narrative
Security analysts in Pakistan welcomed the rare public rebuke of anti-Pakistan militants. Experts said this reinforces Islamabad’s counterterrorism stance and exposes foreign-sponsored proxies, including those backed by India, operating under the label of ‘Khawarij’.
Defense officials noted that these groups are not religious fighters but destabilizing forces committing acts of terrorism, undermining peace in the region.
A Shift in Kabul’s Stance
While tensions with India dominated headlines, Islamabad and Kabul made quiet but meaningful progress in repairing their relationship. In March, Pakistan’s Special Envoy Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq Khan visited Kabul. Afghan officials briefed him on new efforts to stop cross-border terrorism.
For the first time, the Taliban began prosecuting Afghan nationals who joined or supported the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). They also arrested recruiters and facilitators linked to infiltration attempts.
These efforts gained Pakistan’s trust, especially after the Taliban helped foil a major terror plot involving over 70 militants. All were neutralized by Pakistani forces near North Waziristan following the Pahalgam incident—marking the biggest single-day counterterrorism success since 9/11.
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