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'Afghan Taliban will regard Pakistan as brother when in power, seek ties based on mutual respect'
In an exclusive interview with Dawn.com, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid has said that if the Taliban do end up having a say in the Afghan polity one day, they will approach Pakistan "as a brother and a neighbour", seeking "comprehensive ties based on mutual respect, just as we seek such relations with all other neighbours."
He acknowledged that Pakistan had remained "the most important hub" for Afghan refugees during the Soviet invasion, and that it was even considered a "second home" by Afghans.
Speaking to Dawn.com, Mujahid also outlined the motivation for talks with the US, the conditions in which they are prepared to negotiate and their vision for a new political order, while insisting that the Taliban are holding talks with the United States "on their own initiative".
Responding to a question regarding the timing of the talks, Mujahid explained that, even prior to the US invasion, the Taliban had asked Washington to engage in dialogue instead of war.
He added that they had eventually even opened a political office in Doha in 2013 for this purpose, but Washington had been unwilling to negotiate at the time.
The spokesperson said that now that the US is willing to talk, they have decided to engage with them.
On a question regarding Pakistan's role in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table, Mujahid said: "There is no role being played by any outside country. This has always been our own initiative and policy."
Taliban's 'important role' in 'upcoming' Afghan political system
Mujahid said that the Taliban would have an "important role" in the new political order in Afghanistan, but declined to elaborate "before the right time".
"When we say we want an inclusive political system, we mean that the [future] government will represent all ethnicities of Afghanistan," he said, adding: "All will serve in it, and all will look [after the country's affairs] themselves without any arguments".
Taliban's constitution to be in line with Shariah
The spokesperson said that while the Taliban do not have a codified manifesto, their "clear" objectives were the end of the occupation of Afghanistan, establishment of an Islamic government, establishment of peace and security, reconstruction of Afghanistan and the provision of administrative services.
Mujahid said that, "without a doubt," the constitution of the incumbent Kabul administration "was drafted under the occupation of and interests of America".
"No country would ever accept a constitution drafted and imposed upon them while they were being bombed," he said.
"Our society is nearly 100 per cent Muslim: our constitution will be drafted for us and implemented in light of the teachings of [the] Shariah."
As per the spokesman, when the Taliban create their 'Islamic government', they will make the "required" changes and "correct" those stipulations in the Afghan constitution "which are in violation of the Shariah".
Explore: Taliban demand new constitution for Afghanistan at rare talks in Russia
He said that once complete independence is attained by Afghanistan, scholars from within the society will be gathered and the "current errors" in the constitution would be highlighted and rectified.
"I cannot point out all the specifics because such work needs the analysis and research of qualified scholars. Following [their analysis] all errors will be made known."
No discussions on interim govt
Responding to a question regarding the possible formation of an interim government in Afghanistan, the Taliban spokesperson said that they had neither held any discussions regarding an interim government nor had they proposed such an idea.
Status of women
Mujahid said that the society envisioned by the Taliban was "an Islamic society" and they wanted to prepare a framework of rights "that do not violate Islamic principles [...] [and are accorded] to all male and female members of society."
"Our nation has sacrificed two million people for this great objective; however, the problems of the past being alluded to are not all based on reality but are mostly based on propaganda," the spokesperson said in reference to the concerns of Afghan women and rights groups who fear a return of the same restrictions that women had faced some 20 years ago when the Taliban were in power in the country.
"Whatever problems that did exist at the time were either because we were in the very early stages [of forming our political ideology], or because it was the need of that time given the preceding war and corruption and the need for serious reform."
He acknowledged that the situation today was different.
"The intellectual capacity of people has expanded and a lot of experiences have been gained; hence there shall be no problems in affording women and men all their rights in the future," he said.
Ongoing attacks during the peace process
The Taliban spokesperson said that while they were holding talks with the US in Doha, they had not yet reached any conclusion that would entail an immediate end to hostilities against the US and its domestic supporters.
He added that, even in Moscow, nothing concrete was achieved that would compel them to end the war and military pressure.
"We are forced to wage war. Our enemies are attacking us; therefore, we are also combating them," he said.
Read more: Taliban hit army base, kill 26 troops: Afghan officials
Talking to Kabul will 'have ramifications'
Explaining the Taliban position on refusing to talk to Kabul, Mujahid said that any talks with the Ghani regime would have symbolic ramifications.
He said that if the Taliban were to hold talks with the Kabul government, it would mean that they had "accepted this stooge regime as a legitimate government [even though it was] imposed upon us by aircraft and [the] bombing of invaders".
Find out more: Kabul sees Taliban-Afghan opposition talks in Moscow as betrayal
He explained that this would entail an acknowledgement that the Taliban were, in fact, "rebels" rather than a legitimate second power.
"But in the condition where no one accepts the imposed government, all agreements reached between the Afghan people and our Mujahideen will be binding [as a pact between equals]," he added.
He said that talks between two opposing powers are meant to achieve a mutual resolution to outstanding issues and the re-establishment of peace and stability. "This process does not mean [a] partnership with anyone," he said.
Mujahid added that the Taliban believe that as long as Afghanistan is occupied, ceasefires and intra-Afghan talks would not amount to much.
"The shadow of occupation lingers over everything: decision-making power is with the invaders, while our leaders are attacked and bombed," he said. He insisted that under such conditions, they do not see an opportunity for intra-Afghan dialogue and ceasefire.
"We first and foremost have to put an end to the occupation and then focus on resolving our internal issues."
Support for Al Qaeda in the past was a 'religious and cultural necessity'
Responding to a question regarding the Taliban's previous support to and protection of the Al Qaeda leadership, which led to the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, Mujahid acknowledged that: "The Islamic Emirate sheltered those foreign Mujahideen [Al Qaeda operatives] that had arrived in Afghanistan during the period of jihad against the Soviet Union and remained behind as [an] inheritance. Their protection was a religious and cultural necessity."
However, he added that currently there was "no one that needed [the Taliban's] shelter", and stated that "the Islamic Emirate shall never allow anyone to harm others from our soil."
Comments (121) Closed
How long this will drag on?
What about those common Afghanis,who want peace and freedom? Suppress them?
Great display of wisdom and maturity on part of Taliban. World needs to seize the opportunity else the tragedy continues.
At least they recognise Pakistan’s important role in supporting their country for the last 40 years.
India’s day’s in Afghanistan seem numbered.
Great rational work. USA sidelines useless puppets. Afghan (Pukhtoon) representatives get due recognition. Pakistan gets world's respect and own security.
Taliban are far more sensible than current dummy government there.
Tremendous work on ALL fronts, Pakistan. Love my country and its defenders.
I hope such interactions with Taliban will continue by DAWN and all others. A comprehensive all inclusive settlement in Afghanistan for peace will be welcome by all Muslims, and neighbours, particularly by Pakistan. Killings and bloodshed of last 40 years must stop and the legendary Afghan bravery channelized for the prosperity and development in Afghanistan.
the voice of doom for Indians, so nice!
@Zaira, “How long this will drag on?”
It’s just started. Waited 18 years for this.
Taliban are true brothers.
Afghan defense ministry said that talibans are all Afghan. Hamid Karzai called talibans his brothers. Ashraf Ghani said that his heart breaks for his talibans brothers. All talibans leadership is Afghan.
People need to acknowledge that Taliban are Afghans. Their will also represent Afghans. I was reading a news where talibans won against U.S. and ANA because the language of that area was only known to Talibans. Many Afghans support Taliban. There is no foreign support factor here. It is just Afghans fighting for their rights.
Will hope that Taliban will maintain their commitments,and maintain the peace within Afghanistan
Good idea shared by mujahid
First come to power. Then talk.
How clear is the Taliban thinking process.
Taliban has already declared they are in power, without a mandate. Amazing.
Tell the location of interview. Pakistan?
Then whose the Taliban those attack on Pakistan?
Talibans have no credibility.
I pray and wish this war now comes to an ends afghans are our brothers and desrve to prospeer.
So after killing and bombing their own people, they are acting as if they are saints! Wow wonderful act of humanity!
Welcome the Islamic emirites of Afghanistan.
All the financial aids/investments by India in Afghanistan will go down the drain if Taliban comes into power.
So...... Afghans, brace up for the stone age..!!!!!
No, we dont want to be your brother, you have killed so many innocent people, you are not amonst us and we are not amongst you.
@Zaira, till the occupation continues
Well said but peace shall take several more years of reconciliation among the various ethnic groups of Afghanistan.
I see some sparks coming out of Delhi on that statement.
Thank you, please stay in your own country.
@Zaira, Kick out Indians from Afghanistan, it will happen immediately.
@Zaira, Please elaborate
Scary future! They will go back to the medieval times as soon as they are back in power.
Afghans have suffered enough. I truly wish you all Afghans a very peaceful country as it used to be. Being a Pakistani based in United States, my love and best wishes for you all. Please put your heads together and work for peace. You all have suffered a lot.
Amazing news. Thanks Dawn we were very concerned how talibans will behave with Pakistan.
I wish to see a prosper Afghanistan in my life span. They had suffered enough.
if they are not in Power what happens??
Time for India to pack up and leave.
Excellent; exactly this is what a sane state should respond and have an outlook. Pakistan is very much contended with the stance of Talibans and this is what has been Pakistan’s approach towards Afghanistan but unfortunately present Afghan regime has gone into foreign hands who are using them and Afghan soil for their nafarious activities against neighboring country for their evil designs. Pakistan would always look and contribute towards the betterment of our Afghan brothers with sincerity and mutual respect unlike Afghan attitude at present.
Afghanistan is a beautiful country. The Afghan are hard working. Let peace prevailing the region. Let the almighty bless a peaceful Afghanistan and so peaceful south asia.
Ashraf Ghani, Hamid Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah may have to flee to US or India and seek asylum.
These are real Afghans and Pakistan lovers. India must run away now..
Afghanistan, going to be another North Korea.
The fox has not changed colors. Sad times ahead for Afghan people particularly women.
Taliban seem to have changed a lot compared to 30 years ago. Mr. Ghani must acknowledge this fact and make arrangements to allow the opposition to be part country's affairs even if he has to resign gracefully and have a new independent fair and free elections.
@Jassi, Please read the article carefully again. The talks were held in Moscow.
@Inder,
'Afghanistan, going to be another North Korea.'
That is better than being Bangladesh.
@Daniel,
'Ashraf Ghani, Hamid Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah may have to flee to US or India and seek asylum.'
I would rather say that they would be recalled back to India.
@Alien,
'I see some sparks coming out of Delhi on that statement.'
Sparks have been coming out of Delhi for over a month.
Words are easy and sometimes cheap. Taliban is still on the fence, and political power is a very dirty game!
Let's see who reaches ' riasat e Madina' first, them or us. Taliban are talking sense. We will live like brothers, refugees will return and sinister foreign spy agencies sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan via Afghanistan will be hunted down.
Afghanistan and Pakistan will help each other become superpower and prosperous
@Daniel,
Karzai is already gone
@moazi,
'resign gracefully and have a new independent fair and free elections.'
I will rephrase it: Have a new election that is independent and fair. Afghanistan has never had independent or fair elections before. You can't have independent elections under foreign occupation. It is like the elections British used to conduct during colonial rule, the colonialism itself was never up for a vote.
@Ali Kazmi, I think you haven't read article of Parvez Hudbhoy regarding Bangladesh's surging economy coupled with development
I dont like Talibans but at least they are not puppet and corrupt. No change has come to common people of Afghanistan with billions received by them. Taliban have no choice but to change if they want to run the government.
Sounds too good to be true...
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
Taliban have made it crystal clear that they are not going to share power with the Afghan govt.
Great response by Taliban leader. He came out so much mature. Hats off to Pakistan and Afghanistan. It will bring great peace to both countries. Mark my words.
@Sehar, than what is the role of china?
Ghani home in Washington and Karzai home in Delhi.
@Kishen, They control 70% of Afghan territory.
@Zaira, as long as it takes
@MALI , already in power. Talking to US.
If such positive statements/stance come from the Afghan Govt, there will be no war inside Afghanistan.
Very primitive thinking and not willing to move forwards.
@Ali Kazmi, really? That’s not what Pakistan generally says on tv shows or felt during the formation?
@Fastrack, Afghan Taliban is no longer Pashtoon only, they have people from all ethnic groups within them.
Whether anyone can really trust Taliban on what they talk now about women? Very difficult to believe that they will behave in a better way with women if they come to power again.
@Akram, two you are trying to say....afghans will be back to carrying guns not books??
Taliban only seek power, this time, they want it thru dialog, that’s it, they are only interested in keeping the Afghans hostage and in Stone Age, it’s a fact. I’ll be very worried about the treatment of women, education and jobs. Afghanistan will never move forward if the power is left to the Taliban.
Expect no progress in Afghanistan under the Taliban power, and the Taliban will not share it with a government, write that down.
@Sameer, who is suppressing them? It is the occupation and it's agents who are suppressing people of Afghanistan.
Words of wisdom from wise men.
@Akram, India is always on the side of aggressors and in the end stands exposed.
It is not good for Pakistan if you want to progress with modernised ideology!
Constitution based on Sharia? Awesome. I hope these guys don't get to govern Afghanistan.
@fairplay, Do Indians live in Afghanistan?
India lives in the heart of common afghani people.
How about treating Afghan women as your sisters, and treating them with equality and mutual respect ?
Rey good to know that Talibans have gained wisdom under foreign rule and now they will treat women better. These guys will say anything to assume power, but then that is how democracies work!
General Kayani smart policy which is followed till now which is paying off that never take action against Afghan Taliban just because of USA as they’re not enemies of Pakistan If we did under US pressure they would had turned their gun towards Pakistan and we would had another enemy that’s what US wanted but Pakistani establishment are too smart to fall in such trap
Mutual respect- I am not too sure about Afghanistan.
@Fastrack, Oh really. Then what do we do?
what a comeback...
@Ashish Ranjan,
' I think you haven't read article of Parvez Hudbhoy regarding Bangladesh's surging economy'
I go by the number of Bangladeshi house maids I see in Karachi.
Back to the future. Does not bode well for rights of the common man, minorities, and women.
Ajit Doival - Check Mate!
India’s terror games in Afghanistan are nearing it’s end.
@Akram, The Taliban has never considered India as enemy since India has never been involved in the war but only into rehabilitation, reconstruction, education etc. of Afghans. India never bombed anyone there.
@BhaRAT, you should not have accepted their money if you knew you will do nothing.
@LAHORI KID,
Forward and backward depends on what your destination is. Large majority of the Muslim world holds Turkey and Malaysia in very high esteem and Afghanistan is no exception.
Pakistan"the most important hub" for Afghan refugees during the Soviet invasion, and that it was even considered a "second home" by Afghans.
Come what may or any dealthey aren’t going to come to power that is for sure.
Talks are the o lay way forward, for ALL of them.
Don't be too sure about how Pakistan and its people will be treated by the new upcoming Afghanistan government. The stakes are too much to change the attitude of even real brothers, what to say of neighbours.
What a brother.
Hopefully not like Aurangzeb...
@Sameer, Have you ever lived in Afghanistan or asking desktop questions for the sake of questioning.
@Sajjad, I feel sorry for Afghanistani they are going back to Soviet era Both US and Russians playing tennis sometime ball in US court and then in Russian court No one wins but definitely Afghans loose
@Zak, - Only 500 people control Green land a country 6 times bigger than Pakistan by size.
@Ajay,
The ball is in India's court but India is out of the game.
@Nand,
US did not keep their side side of the bargain. Bringing India into Afghanistan was never a part of the deal.
@Sehar, The goal to become a super power is just few steps away and will reach there in a few minutes.
Charity and brotherhood begins at home, first and foremost.
@Naxalite, : Not so fast mate. Wait and watch
@Sehar, Afghanistan and Pakistan will help each other become superpower and prosperous.
Pakistan will be super-power as soon as IMF bailout finalized :-)
@Nand, The real world is very cruel my friend face the reality
@Sanjay,
'Not so fast mate. Wait and watch'
What you call wait is in fact a denial of reality, you are once again on the losing side of a war in the heart of Asia.
No thank you!
@Inder, That tells how much or rather how little you know about Afghanistan? Next to nothing, Zilch !!
@Kishen, Yes it must be amazing to you because you have been living in your make-believe world, had no time to see or accept the reality. Taliban through this war and upheaval were always around the corner like a ghost, will be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. It was a cat and mouse game for the US. The poor US chased them everywhere but found them nowhere. Indian advice (to the US) and how much they know Afghanistan or its people proved useless and superficial. India as a bigger country in the region could have done far better in bringing peace and prosperity in the region to create a very viable economic power block but India is petty, narrow-minded and its built-in hatred against Pakistan always came in her way to do any good.
Well, you are known by the company you keep!
Pakistan no home for Afghans. Do not assume this to be Afghans home please.
@think tank, So you prefer living in caves, no education, no progress?
One of the issue is transit trade between Afghanistan and India via Pakistan. Whether that is going to happen.
Like minded people have respect for each other.. Speaks a lot..
Afghanistan under Taliban will be like return of stone age
Bad for pakistan.
Different textures of Terrorist.