Clashes Between Pakistani Forces & Taliban In Torkham Displace Thousands

According to local sources, mortars fired by Taliban forces damaged the mosque’s walls and interior, leaving it in ruins. The mosque was reportedly struck on Monday night, following Taliban gunfire directed towards Pakistan.

Images obtained by Afghanistan International show that the mosque’s walls and interior courtyard have been completely destroyed.

Ongoing Clashes and Casualties

The clashes between Taliban border forces and Pakistani troops began on Sunday night, 2 March, continuing until 11:00 AM on Monday. After a brief pause, the fighting resumed later that night.

Reports indicate that both sides have deployed light and heavy weaponry during the confrontation. The Taliban’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that during the clashes, one Taliban fighter was killed, and two others were injured. However, independent sources suggest the Taliban suffered at least three fatalities.

Tensions Over the Torkham Border Crossing

Torkham, one of the two main trade crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been closed for over a week due to a dispute over the Taliban’s construction of a new checkpoint.

Tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan have escalated in recent months over border control, security concerns, and trade restrictions, leading to repeated clashes at key border points.

Mujahid claimed that UNAMA’s reports have created a negative perception of Afghanistan within the United Nations, disregarding the country’s progress, achievements, and security improvements.

On Tuesday, 4 March, Taliban-controlled Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) released an audio recording of Mujahid in which he strongly criticised UNAMA’s activities in Afghanistan. He accused the UN mission of exaggerating minor issues while deliberately highlighting negative aspects of the situation.

The Taliban spokesperson further asserted that UNAMA’s reports neither benefit Afghanistan nor the UN, declaring that the mission has not been “successful” in fulfilling its role in the country.

Context and UNAMA’s Mandate

The Taliban’s criticism comes ahead of an address by Roza Otunbayeva, the head of UNAMA, to the UN Security Council on 10 March regarding the situation in Afghanistan.

Last year, the UN Security Council extended UNAMA’s mandate until 17 March 2025, underscoring the mission’s continued role in monitoring and reporting on Afghanistan’s political, humanitarian, and security situation.

This council, a concept in Sunni Islamic governance, refers to a body of qualified individuals empowered to appoint or depose a ruler (such as a caliph) on behalf of the Muslim community.

Sayyaf argued that the Taliban lacks legitimacy and insisted that representatives of the people must be involved in selecting a leader. Speaking to Iran’s IRAF News Agency, he stated that the council should be composed of representatives from districts and provinces to elect Afghanistan’s leader.

He emphasised that if a leader were chosen through this process, the people would pledge allegiance to them, but he criticised the Taliban for not adopting this approach.

Criticism of the Taliban’s Legitimacy

Sayyaf pointed to the 1990s government of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani, which, he said, was formed through a similar council with a religious foundation. He added that the Mujahideen defended Rabbani’s government against the Taliban on this principle, as it had been selected through a legitimate Islamic process.

He asserted that if the Taliban followed the same method, he and his allies would accept its decision—even if they were not part of the council. However, he accused the Taliban of ruling without public support, claiming that their interpretation of Sharia law is flawed and not truly Islamic.

Sayyaf further questioned the Taliban’s legitimacy, stressing that the establishment of an Islamic system requires clear principles and proper mechanisms. He stated “Implementing Sharia is a skill and an expertise.”

Sayyaf’s Political Background and Call for Peace

Despite advocating for the Shurā-ye Ḥall wa ‘Aqd, Sayyaf has been deeply involved in Afghanistan’s electoral system over the past two decades. He was twice elected as a member of parliament from Kabul and ran in the 2014 presidential elections, though he did not win.

Reaffirming his commitment to peace, Sayyaf stated that he has always urged the Taliban that “war is not the solution.” However, he claimed that the Taliban has never been willing to negotiate and suggested that even groups engaged in armed resistance are not opposed to peace. He also noted that anti-Taliban factions abroad have achieved greater unity and coordination.

Warm Reception in Iran

Sayyaf expressed gratitude for Iran’s hospitality and explained why he had not visited the country in the past 50 years. He revealed that, after receiving medical treatment in India, he travelled to Iran and had been living in Turkiye for the past three and a half years.

Who Is to Blame for the Fall of the Republic?

Addressing the collapse of Ashraf Ghani’s government, Sayyaf blamed it on the exclusion of key defenders of the nation, arguing that only the Mujahideen could have defended Afghanistan.

He claimed that Mujahideen commanders were sidelined in recent years, forced into menial jobs rather than being allowed to contribute to national security.

Sayyaf further revealed that he had personally requested Ashraf Ghani to entrust him with Kabul’s security, but Ghani refused due to political differences with the Mujahideen.

“The Dark Night Will End”

Concluding his interview, Sayyaf delivered a message to the Afghan people: “The dark night will end, and morning lies ahead.”

During his visit to Iran, Sayyaf also met with Iranian officials. In recent months, Iran has intensified its engagement with Afghan political figures and opposition groups against the Taliban. Recently, several IRGC commanders met with leaders of the National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan in Ankara.

During a visit to a migrant camp in Mashhad, Mozaffari highlighted concerns over Afghan migrants who enter Iran with valid permits but remain in the country after their visas expire.

He stressed that even legal migration requires careful regulation, stating that Afghans entering Iran should have a clear purpose. “If they are coming for work, they must obtain a work visa. If they are visiting as tourists, they should arrive as part of an organised tour or group,” he added.

Speaking to Iranian media, Mozaffari expressed hope that Afghanistan’s social and economic conditions would improve, reducing the need for migration.

He also emphasised Iran’s interest in fostering economic opportunities at the Afghan border to encourage joint investments. “Our goal is to create employment opportunities in border areas so that Afghan workers entering Iran can reside there instead of migrating further into the country,” he stated.

In a statement issued on Monday, 3 March, the Taliban’s Supreme Court confirmed that the convicted individual received 39 lashes and was sentenced to six months in prison.

The Taliban has continued to enforce public corporal punishment, with reports emerging almost daily of individuals being flogged across various provinces. The group has officially acknowledged these punishments through public statements, reaffirming its commitment to their continuation.

Meanwhile, human rights organisations have condemned the practice, urging the Taliban to cease such punishments. They argue that, under international law, public floggings constitute torture and violate human dignity.