The Taliban’s central spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, has strongly condemned the military leadership of Pakistan, claiming that the establishment is creating instability in the region to meet the demands of major powers. In a widely publicized interview with TOLOnews, Mujahid stated that the current strategic stance of the Pakistani military is the direct continuation of its past partnership with the United States during the two-decade United States military presence in Afghanistan.
Although Mujahid was quick to point out that the Taliban has no inherent animosity toward Pakistan as a state or its people, he was adamant about his stance on the ruling military establishment of the country. He stated that the tension between Kabul and Islamabad is specifically related to the geopolitical stance of the Pakistani military, who are allegedly creating instability in the region.
The most intriguing part of the interview took place when Mujahid was asked about the chances of a real reaction to the recent border tensions. Instead of ruling out the possibility of a conflict, he hinted that a response is already underway, saying, “A retaliation is going to come, and the results will speak for themselves. Wait for the results.”
This kind of rhetoric represents a major escalation of the verbal conflict between the two neighbors, as it shows how the rift between the two is growing, with the Taliban now ready to openly defy the Pakistani military’s power after years of having relied on it.
A secondary health crisis, as the absence of female healthcare professionals limits access to medical care for women and children in the country, has also been reported. UNAMA has reiterated that social justice and economic stability in Afghanistan cannot be achieved without nondiscriminatory access to employment and education. The mission emphasizes that the current course is not sustainable, as peace can only be achieved if women, youth, and ethnic groups are included in the country’s decision-making structures.
