Take Action Against TTP Instead of Making Irresponsible Statements, Islamabad Raps Taliban

He said that Tajikistan has been combating extremism and terrorism for over 30 years and will continue this fight.

Rahmon visited Moscow to participate in the Victory Day parade, commemorating the 71st anniversary of the former Soviet Union's victory in World War II.

During the sidelines of this ceremony, Putin and Rahmon held a separate meeting on Thursday at the Kremlin, focusing on counterterrorism efforts and bilateral cooperation.

Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to combatting terrorism.

Russia's special security services detained four Tajik citizens on charges of direct involvement in the shooting at the Crocus Hall on the outskirts of Moscow.

Additionally, several other Tajik citizens have been arrested in Moscow for alleged collaboration with these individuals. The attack, which occurred on March 22nd, resulted in the deaths of at least 144 people.

According to the Kremlin statement released on Friday, Rahmon told Putin, that he has consistently voiced from the United Nations podium his opposition to double standards in combating terrorism and extremism.

Addressing the attack on the Crocus Hall in Moscow, the President of Tajikistan labeled it a "tragedy" and stressed, terrorism has no nationality, religion, or homeland, and it requires collective action from all.

Furthermore, he declared that Tajikistan's intelligence and military services remain actively involved in the fight against terrorism.

In his discussions with Putin, Rahmon characterized Russia as a "strategic partner and ally" of Tajikistan, underscoring that this stance remains steadfast and immutable.

He also discussed cooperation between Tajikistan and Russia, emphasizing the importance of a joint effort in combating global challenges and threats.

Putin also welcomed Rahmon's stance on cooperation with Russia, highlighting that their special services actively collaborate to mitigate threats, as terrorism poses a danger to all nations, including Russia and Tajikistan.

A local source reported to the Pashto section of Afghanistan International that the Taliban had been shooting at ordinary people.

Videos received by Afghanistan International show that the main Jalalabad road has been closed due to the protests, and gunfire could be heard in the area.

The Taliban have not yet commented on these protests. The protests started after the Taliban told residents to leave their homes and land, claiming that the land belongs to the government; however, locals say that they had purchased the land, and the Taliban members are forcibly taking it from them.

The organisation has stated that Afghan children in Pakistan face serious risks including detention, dangers of crossing borders, and deprivation of education.

Figures from the International Organisation for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Pakistan indicate that over 550,000 Afghans have been expelled to Afghanistan from September of last year to the end of April. During this period, over 31,000 Afghans have been detained in Pakistan.

These organisations warn that Afghan refugees and migrants in Pakistan face multiple risks including detention, exploitation, separation from family, and lack of access to education and healthcare.

The relief agency warns that in a situation where Afghanistan is grappling with the challenge of six million internally displaced persons and human rights violations, the expulsion of Afghan migrants affects the lives of Afghans, especially women and girls.

IOM emphasised that Afghan children, with the continuation of the expulsion program, are left without education and are exposed to the risks of forced labor, trafficking, and exploitation.

According to sources, they discussed border management and pressure from Islamabad on the TTP during this meeting.

Both the Afghan Taliban and the TTP have not officially commented on this meeting. Pakistani media had previously reported about a meeting between the leader of the TTP and high-ranking Taliban officials.

Since the return of the Taliban to power, Pakistan has witnessed an increase in attacks by Pakistani Taliban militants. Pakistani authorities have accused the Taliban of providing haven to TTP leaders and fighters in Afghanistan.

Islamabad claims that TTP militants launch attacks from Afghanistan into Pakistani territory, an allegation that has been repeatedly refuted by the Afghan Taliban.

According to the Taliban’s statement, these migrants entered Afghanistan on Wednesday via the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings.

The ministry reported on Thursday, citing border officials, that 52 families totalling 280 individuals entered Afghanistan through the Spin Boldak border crossing, while 87 families comprising 468 individuals entered through the Torkham border crossing.

Each family has reportedly been provided with 10,000 Afghanis as assistance by the ministry.

Additionally, the statement mentioned that the expelled migrants have been referred to aid organisations to receive further assistance.