ISLAMABAD: Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of Afghan Taliban reiterated the resolve of Taliban saying no one will be allowed to use soil of Afghanistan against another country. However, that the Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a matter for Pakistan to take up, not for Afghanistan.
Taliban spokesman said as far TTP is concerned, the future government will have the rightful say about this. “However, our principle stance is that we will not allow the use of our soil by anyone for destroying peace in someone else’s country”.
He said that if the TTP consider the Afghan Taliban as their leaders, “they will have to listen to them, whether they like it or not”.
“The issue of the TTP is one that Pakistan will have to deal with, not Afghanistan. It is up to Pakistan, and Pakistani ulema and religious figures, not the Taliban, to decide on the legitimacy or illegitimacy of their war and to formulate a strategy in response”, Zabihullah said.
Taliban spokesman expressed his optimism that within few days they will announce government in Afghanistan. “Full-fledged efforts are currently underway in this regard, but that some minor obstacles are causing a delay”, he added.
“First of all, entering Kabul all of a sudden and taking over governance like this was unanticipated. We desire to hold wide-ranging talks regarding the formation of a government, so that a strong government can form,” Taliban Spokesman said.
Mujahid also indicated the Taliban’s desire for an “end to war”, and the “creation of such a system, with everyone’s input, that represents the wishes of the people”. “We have made considerable progress in this regard, but work is still underway,” he said while talking to Geo Television program.
“Discussions are being held on all aspects of a government,” the spokesman said, adding that he hopes that the Taliban will be ready “within a few days” to make an announcement in this regard.
Mujahid noted that the delay has caused hindrances in day-to-day operations and matters of trade and diplomacy, and so the Taliban have “engaged all their efforts in forming a government as soon as possible”.
Regarding talks with former Afghan president Hamid Karzai and former chief executive officer, Dr Abdullah Abdullah, besides former vice presidents Yunus Qanuni and Abdul Rashid Dostum, the Taliban spokesman said that their advice is being taken.
He said that the Taliban wish for those to be part of the government who have the support of the people and enjoy popularity and will avoid the inclusion of people who were at the centre of conflict in the past.
“We are consulting all leaders present in Kabul. We are in touch with them, and their recommendations are important to us,” he added.
Mujahid said that the Taliban also wish for “new faces” to be part of the government.
Taliban spokesman said that the group will move forward keeping in view the input given by the political leaders and will take measures in light of the same.
“The people who were part of the government in the last 20 years have worked for Afghanistan to some extent but do not enjoy the overwhelming support of the people”, Mujahid said.
“We wish to begin a new chapter and include people who do not only enjoy popular support, but are deserving of being the people’s representatives.
“But this does not in any way mean that all the past leaders will be sidelined. We will routinely consult them and seek their advice,” he said.
On control of Panjshir valley, where an anti-Taliban resistance under Ahmed Massoud of the National Resistance Front has been mounted, Mujahid said that the Taliban are “60 per cent confident that matters can be resolved through talks”.
“We have put to use all available resources to make this possible. We have consulted ulema, and former jihadi leaders, and a regular exchange of messages is taking place,” he said.
Taliban do not wish for war in Panjshir, but a fight will be “swift” since the valley is surrounded, Zabihullah Mujahid said. “Without the use of force. We hope to bring Panjshir under the control of Kabul, much like this,” he said.
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