Taliban’s Badakhshan Police Chief Alleges Pakistan Supports Armed Opponents

Abdul Basir Mahzari, the police commander of the Taliban in Badakhshan, has claimed that Pakistan is providing shelter and training centers for Taliban opponents in Chitral. He warned that this situation could threaten the security of Badakhshan.

Taliban Accuses Pakistan of Sheltering Opponents

Abdul Basir Mahzari, the police chief of the Taliban in Badakhshan, stated that Pakistan has established shelters and training centers for armed opponents of the Taliban in the Chitral region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In an interview with the media, he noted that Badakhshan is the only northern province of Afghanistan that shares a border with Pakistan, which has led to the gathering of opponents from northern provinces in Chitral.

Mahzari continued, “Armed opponents who are in conflict with our government from northern provinces have all congregated in Chitral. It is clear to everyone that training centers have been established for them there.” He also warned that these opponents might enter Badakhshan via the Shah Salim Pass, posing a threat to the security of this province and other areas in northeastern Afghanistan.

Taliban’s Reaction to Pakistan’s Support for Opponents

Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, previously emphasized that Pakistan hosts several Taliban opponents and that discussions have taken place regarding the establishment of shelters and training centers for them. He also stated that in one of the attacks in the Zibak district of Badakhshan, Pakistani forces were collaborating with armed opponents, remarks that were strongly denied by the Pakistani Information Ministry.

Taliban’s Confidence in Security in Badakhshan

In another part of his statement, Abdul Basir Mahzari mentioned that all armed individuals associated with “Jumakh Khan Fateh,” the former deputy governor of the Taliban in Zabul, have been disarmed following his unconditional surrender along with five companions. He assured that the current security situation in Badakhshan is under control and that there are no issues.