Fazl-ur-Rehman: Continued Tensions with the Taliban Threaten Pakistan’s Security.
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, has sharply criticized Pakistan’s security institutions, highlighting their role in the creation and support of militants who have been active in Afghanistan over the past two decades.
He stated that instead of blaming others for Afghanistan’s insecurity, attention should be given to how these forces were formed and what mechanisms facilitated their deployment. According to him, recruitment and mobilization occurred within Pakistan’s own structures during the past twenty years.
The Pakistani politician, often described as being close to the Afghan Taliban, said that direct dialogue is the only viable solution to the current tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban.
He also claimed that in Afghanistan’s modern history from the era of King Zahir Shah to the government of Ashraf Ghani the Taliban have been the only ruling authority regarded as an ally of Pakistan.
Warning about the consequences of escalating security tensions, Fazl-ur-Rehman stressed that any military action against Kabul would ultimately threaten Islamabad itself, and that instability in Afghanistan could quickly spill over into Pakistan. His remarks come amid growing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban in recent months.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of supporting anti-Pakistan militant groups, allegations the Taliban deny.
Meanwhile, neighboring countries, including during meetings held in Tehran, have voiced concerns over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and urged the Taliban to address these concerns and form an inclusive government to gain legitimacy.
