Mohammad Omar Dawoodzai, former Ambassador of Afghanistan, has described recent remarks by Pakistan’s army chief claiming that “70 percent of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members are Afghan” as a dangerous oversimplification of a complex reality.
He stated that if the reference is to Afghans living across the Durand Line, the claim may be debatable to some extent; however, he emphasized that the Taliban of Afghanistan (TTA) constitute less than five percent of Afghanistan’s population and do not represent the Afghan people.
Dawoodzai added:“The people of Afghanistan have repeatedly made it clear that they have no hostility toward the people of Pakistan. Pakistan’s conflict is with the TTP, and possibly with the TTA, but this war must not be portrayed as a conflict with the people of Afghanistan, nor should Afghan refugees be punished for it.”
He also recalled that thousands of TTP leaders were released from prisons in August 2021 by the TTA, stressing that:“It is a fact that yesterday the TTP fought alongside the TTA against the Afghan government; today, the direction has changed and the stated objective is the overthrow of the Pakistani government.”
Posing a direct question to Pakistani authorities, Dawoodzai asked: Who made the mistake, and who bears the primary responsibility? He further referenced a well-known Afghan proverb, saying: “Look into your own collar.”
He stressed that under current circumstances, generalizations and avoidance of responsibility are not solutions, but rather contribute to further instability. According to Dawoodzai, escalating tensions and unjustly targeting innocent Afghans carry serious consequences, and Pakistani officials must reflect on the outcomes of their actions.
In conclusion, Dawoodzai stated that what is needed today more than ever is transparency and honesty in policymaking, not blaming others or collectively punishing innocent people. He argued that acknowledging past mistakes can help pave the way toward solutions, and urged Pakistani authorities to refrain from accusing a dignified nation and engaging in enemy-making.
Views: 2
