In a significant development on Friday, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman issued a stern warning to the Afghan Taliban, emphasizing that India could never be considered a reliable ally for them. Speaking amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Naeem urged the Taliban leadership to exercise caution and refrain from actions that might further strain relations between the two neighboring Islamic nations.
Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating situation, Naeem highlighted the dangerous trajectory the conflict could take if it escalates into open warfare. He stressed that such a scenario would have devastating consequences for the people on both sides of the border, who share deep cultural and religious ties. The JI chief underscored that peace and stability in the region are paramount, especially given the fragile security landscape and the potential for widespread human suffering.
Adding to the complexity of the regional dynamics, Hafiz Naeem pointed out the emerging strategic partnership between Israel and India, describing it as a significant threat to the Muslim world. He warned that this alliance could embolden anti-Islamic forces and urged the Afghan Taliban not to isolate themselves from the broader Islamic community by aligning with adversaries. His remarks reflect longstanding concerns within Pakistan about India’s influence in Afghanistan and its implications for regional security.
In his statement, Naeem called upon the Pakistani government to take immediate and comprehensive measures to address the crisis. He recommended convening a joint session of Parliament to engage all political stakeholders in formulating a unified response. Furthermore, he appealed to senior Islamic scholars to step in and mediate, recalling their previous successful interventions that helped ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Recognizing the importance of international diplomacy, Naeem also urged influential Muslim-majority countries such as China, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to intensify their efforts in facilitating dialogue and restoring peaceful relations. He emphasized that these nations have a critical role to play in preventing further escalation and fostering regional harmony during this sensitive period.
Highlighting the broader geopolitical implications, the JI leader warned that the recently signed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense agreement has drawn ire from Israel, which he described as part of a larger agenda aimed at undermining unity within the Muslim world. This statement reflects ongoing concerns about external interference and the need for solidarity among Islamic countries to counteract divisive forces.
Meanwhile, the security situation on the ground has intensified. Pakistan launched retaliatory airstrikes targeting Taliban-linked positions inside Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of 133 Afghan Taliban militants and injuring over 200 others. These strikes were conducted under the codename ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’ and were a direct response to unprovoked cross-border firing by the Afghan Taliban along multiple locations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the airstrikes focused on defensive installations associated with the Taliban in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar. He indicated that the operation was ongoing and that additional casualties could occur as Pakistani forces continue their offensive. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif described the military action as a firm and necessary response to aggression, reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
Officials emphasized that the objective of the operation was to neutralize hostile elements and send a clear message aimed at deterring any further provocations along the porous border. The situation remains tense, with both sides closely monitoring developments as diplomatic and military efforts unfold simultaneously to prevent a full-scale conflict.