Khost Governor Declares Jihad Outside Afghanistan Unauthorized under Doha Agreement
The governor of Khost, affiliated with the Taliban administration, stated at a religious school graduation ceremony in the province that, based on the Doha Agreement, Afghanistan poses no threat to other countries or its neighbors, and that going abroad for jihad is not permitted.
In his speech, Abdullah Mukhtar urged residents and Taliban officials to respect the terms of the Doha Agreement and recent decisions by religious scholars in Kabul, advising against traveling to other countries with the intent of jihad. He emphasized that actions should be conducted only within what he called the “existing commitments.”
At the same time, the Khost governor said that jihad against what he described as “invasion of Afghan soil” is incumbent upon all Afghans; a stance that, despite claims of ending threats, still relies on military rhetoric and religious mobilization, raising concerns about continued violence in society.
He also announced a new decision regarding suicide incidents in the province, stating that to prevent recurrence, participation in funerals and memorial prayers (Fatiha) for individuals who have committed suicide will be restricted to family members only. Mukhtar added that this decision has been communicated to security agencies.
The governor further stressed the enforcement of Sharia punishments on perpetrators who kill innocent people—a matter that, in the absence of a transparent and independent judicial system, has consistently drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
At the same ceremony, the head of the Afghan Red Crescent Society, Shahabuddin Dilawar, said Afghanistan faces enemies and various propaganda campaigns, and he believes combating this situation requires service, commitment, and solidarity among the people. He urged attendees not to be influenced by negative propaganda.
In conclusion, speakers emphasized the importance of unity among the people—a call that, amid social pressures, economic challenges, and extensive restrictions on civil liberties, is met with serious questions from Afghan citizens.
