Taliban Calls TTP an ‘Internal Matter’ for Pakistan Amid Ongoing Tensions
Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the Taliban administration, in an interview with Germany’s Deutsche Welle news network, stated that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a ‘completely internal issue for Pakistan.’ He emphasized that the Taliban administration does not interfere in the internal affairs of any country. His comments came amid Pakistan’s repeated complaints about the presence and activities of TTP militants on Afghan soil.
In another part of the interview, Mujahid remarked, with apparent sarcasm, that ‘the word terrorist does not exist in the Pashto dictionary.’ The statement sparked widespread reactions, with critics accusing the Taliban of attempting to ignore the nature of extremist groups and the violent consequences of their activities. The Taliban has previously denied Pakistan’s accusations of supporting TTP on multiple occasions.
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, an umbrella organization comprising several militant factions, operates along the Durand Line and the shared border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The group has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks targeting Pakistani security forces and civilians. Despite the Taliban’s assertion of non-interference, both Afghan analysts and critics argue that the ideological and organizational links between the Taliban and TTP are undeniable—exacerbating regional security concerns.
The international community and regional countries, including Pakistan, have repeatedly called on the Taliban administration to ensure that Afghan soil is not used as a base for operations against any other nation. The United States, under the presidency of Donald Trump, has also consistently emphasized the need for a decisive fight against terrorism in the region. Mujahid’s recent remarks may further strain the Taliban’s relations with neighboring countries and the global community.
