Taliban Spokesperson Blames Pakistan's Support for Daesh for Suicide Attack in Islamabad

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban, attributed a deadly suicide attack by Daesh on Shia worshippers in Islamabad to Pakistan's 'support and nurturing' of the group. He stated, 'The Daesh-nurturing policy will harm the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan.'

In an interview with Radio Tehran on Sunday, Mujahid reiterated accusations that elements within Pakistan's army use Daesh to advance their goals and provide it with funding. He compared Daesh to a snake, saying, 'We have repeatedly stated that Daesh is like a snake; whoever nurtures it will eventually be bitten by that snake.' Mujahid claimed the recent Daesh attacks in various parts of Pakistan stem from this policy, alleging that Pakistan initially organized Daesh in Balochistan, sheltered it, and then transferred it to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The suicide bombing targeted a Shia mosque in Islamabad on Friday, killing at least 32 people and wounding 92 others. Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack.

Mujahid denied Taliban support for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), asserting that no armed individuals are permitted to operate from Afghan soil. He noted that only some 'Waziristani migrants' are present in Afghanistan, kept away from border areas at Pakistan's request, and could return if officially requested. Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring TTP members who organize attacks against Pakistani security forces from Afghan territory, calling it the main source of tension in bilateral relations.

Mujahid acknowledged that the closure of border crossings harms traders and people on both sides but said they would not reopen until Pakistan guarantees against repeated closures. He claimed the Taliban are developing alternative trade routes and that Pakistan suffers more, as its access to Central Asia is restricted. The crossings were closed in October following clashes between Pakistani forces and militants.