Taliban official warns of possible unrest in Paktia in Taliban’s name

The Taliban administration’s acting minister of rural rehabilitation and development said some people may try to stir up rebellion in Afghanistan in the name of the Taliban, remarks made as he also stressed the continuation of “security” under the group’s rule.

Abdul Latif Mansoor said on Wednesday at the launch of two construction projects in Paktia province that several neighbouring countries, he claimed, do not want lasting security, prosperity and economic growth in Afghanistan. He also said some individuals would try to create unrest “in the name of the Taliban,” but said the Taliban administration would not allow it.

He further claimed that the current security in Afghanistan would remain in place as long as it is based on Sharia and the call to jihad.

The comments came as Taliban officials have repeatedly spoken of security in the country, while at times also warning about security threats and the activities of armed opponents. Paktia is one of Afghanistan’s southeastern provinces and borders Pakistan.