Taliban Spokesperson Blames Pakistan's 'Daesh-Nurturing Policy' for Deadly Islamabad Mosque Attack

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban, attributed a recent deadly attack on a Shia mosque in the suburbs of Islamabad to Pakistan's alleged support and nurturing of Daesh. In an interview with Radio Iran, Mujahid stated that the "Daesh-nurturing policy" would harm the people of both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He compared Daesh to a snake, saying, "We have repeatedly said Daesh is like a snake; whoever nurtures it will eventually be bitten by that same snake." Mujahid claimed the recent Daesh attacks in various parts of Pakistan stem from this policy. The suicide bombing on the Shia mosque occurred on Friday, 18 Dalu, killing at least 32 people and wounding more than 170 others. Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack.

Mujahid alleged that Pakistan initially organized and sheltered Daesh in Balochistan before transferring it to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He accused certain circles within the Pakistani army of using the group to advance their objectives and providing it with funding.

Mujahid reiterated the Taliban's denial of support for Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), stating no armed individuals are permitted to operate from Afghan soil. He noted that some Waziristani refugees are present in Afghanistan, kept away from border areas at Pakistan's request, and could return if officially requested.

Pakistani officials have accused the Taliban of harboring TTP members who launch attacks from Afghanistan. A United Nations monitoring group stated that TTP has around 6,000 fighters in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned of a "blood for blood" response. In a parliamentary speech, Asif praised the armed forces' sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and affirmed the nation's resolve to stand with them for security and stability.

Relations between the Taliban and Pakistan have been tense recently, marked by mutual accusations over militant support. All border crossings have been closed for over 12 weeks, and the Taliban recently banned imports of Pakistani medicines.