Rawalpindi
Afghan Taliban commander Saeedullah Saeed issued a strong warning to extremist factions operating along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border against engaging in illegal attacks against Pakistani security forces, which he stated violates Islamic principles and are unacceptable actions. Saeed spoke at a graduation ceremony of police training institute where this message was delivered.
“According to our Ameer’s directives, fighting any country, particularly Pakistan,” Saeed noted. He further elaborated that only state leaders have the authority to declare or authorize Jihad; any individual or group acting independently cannot be considered true Mujahids.
This pronouncement comes at a time of increasing tensions between Pakistan and militant groups, particularly Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which has intensified its insurgency against the Pakistani state. Critics often refer to TTP as “Fitna Al Khwarij,” responsible for numerous attacks including Bannu Cantonment assault in March 2025 that resulted in numerous casualties – PRIF BLOG by The News International | Wikipedia.
Defense analysts interpret Saeed’s comments as signaling a potential shift in Afghan Taliban stance, signaling their desire to distance themselves from groups like TTP that operate autonomously and target neighboring countries. According to regional security expert, Saeed’s words reinforce Pakistan’s narrative that its internal security challenges are compounded by external militant sanctuaries.
The News International The Afghan Taliban’s warning coincides with recent efforts to ease tensions along volatile border regions. On April 20, 25 Pakistani forces successfully prevented an attempt at infiltrating North Waziristan by militants, leading to their deaths and emphasizing cross-border militant activity and the need for effective security measures across borders.
Wikipedia
However, relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban remain complicated. While Islamabad has accused Kabul of harboring TTP elements, while Afghan Taliban leaders deny such accusations while asserting their commitment to keeping Afghan soil from being used against any nation. Furthermore, Afghanistan forces were reported targeting several points in Pakistan in response to airstrikes conducted against Afghan territory – underscoring their tenuous bilateral relationships and underlining just how fragile bilateral ties truly are. For more information see Al Jazeera and France 24 as sources.
+2 Saeed’s recent statements may be an attempt to repair these frayed relationships and affirm the Afghan Taliban’s commitment to regional peace. By denouncing unauthorized militant actions and emphasizing state authority when declaring Jihad, these statements appear to signal that extremist activities that threaten regional stability will be curtailed.
As both nations grapple with insurgency and border security challenges, such declarations could pave the way for increased cooperation and mutual understanding between their leaders. The international community will closely watch how this promises translate into tangible actions that foster lasting peace within their region.