Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan, met with senior Taliban officials in Kabul over the past two days, including Afghanistan’s acting Chief Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Akhund assured Rehman that Afghanistan has no intentions of harming its neighbors, including Pakistan, and approaches all issues through the lens of Islamic Sharia.
Rehman, often referred to as the Taliban’s “spiritual father,” also met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, and Abdul Kabir and Hassan Akhund, the deputy chief ministers of the Taliban.
In a press statement, the Taliban said Hassan Akhund reassured the leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan that Afghan soil would not be used against Pakistan. The meeting, attended by other Taliban officials, including a judge, was noted as significant for improving relations between Pakistan and the Taliban and addressing recent misunderstandings.
According to the Taliban, Rahman’s visit underscores Afghanistan’s commitment to not causing harm or problems for any country, including Pakistan, and its policy of non-aggression.
Muttaqi discussed security concerns, including the Pakistani Taliban, with Rehman. “Pakistan and Afghanistan will address their mutual issues, be it grievances, economic matters, or security concerns. We are working towards better relations, and it should be understood that much of the information about Afghanistan is misconstrued,” he said.
Rehman’s delegation included nine other Pakistani religious clerics. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan listed Abdul Wase, Salahuddin, Kamaluddin, Jamaluddin, Salimuddin Shamzi, Imdadullah, Idris, Atiqur Rahman, and Mufti Abrar as participants in the visit.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan stated on its social media account that the clerics’ visit aimed to “resolve misunderstandings” between the Taliban administration and Pakistan.
Pakistan views the Afghan Taliban as crucial in addressing security issues with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The delegation’s visit to Kabul is part of efforts to curb attacks by the TTP.
