A cleric aligned with the Taliban urged supporters to wage “jihad” in Pakistan and several Central Asian countries during a funeral ceremony near Kabul, according to remarks made at the event.
Sher Ali Hamad made the comments at a funeral in Guldara district for a man identified as Ayoub, also known as Zakir. Pakistani authorities have said Ayoub was killed in recent clashes between Pakistani security forces and the Pakistani Taliban in border areas near Kunar.
In his speech, Hamad described the political systems of Central Asian states and Pakistan as “parliamentary and infidel,” and called for the overthrow of those governments to establish Islamic rule. He said he would not rest until “the flag of Islam” was raised in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.
The remarks come despite repeated statements by Taliban authorities that their administration in Afghanistan poses no threat to the region or the wider world and that they are working to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries.
Central Asian governments and Pakistan have repeatedly expressed concern about the presence and activities of militant groups in Afghanistan.
Pakistani officials have said deadly attacks inside Pakistan are planned from Afghan territory, allegations supported by some international assessments but consistently denied by the Taliban.
