The top leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has contacted Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to express deep sorrow and condolences over the martyrdom of prominent religious scholar Sheikh Idrees. According to media reports, those who made the contact included Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi, Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob, and spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.
Condemnation of Martyrdom and Allegations of Double Standards
The Afghan leaders strongly condemned the martyrdom of Sheikh Idrees, describing it as a highly condemnable and hateful act. While the contact has been noted in religious and political circles, it has also triggered concerns and questions among Pakistani social and public circles regarding what many describe as a selective approach.
Analysts say the martyrdom of Sheikh Idrees is undoubtedly a tragic incident that deserves condemnation at all levels, but the perceived selective response of the Afghan Taliban remains difficult for many in Pakistan to understand.
TTP Issue and Silence from Kabul
Debate in Pakistan has intensified over the fact that the Afghan leadership has not shown similar levels of condemnation for attacks carried out by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in which innocent Pakistani civilians and security personnel have been killed.
Critics argue that this selective response gives the impression that the lives of Pakistani victims of TTP attacks do not receive the same attention as the killing of a prominent religious figure.
Perceptions and Public Concerns
This approach, according to commentators, is strengthening the perception of close organizational and ideological links between the Afghan Taliban and TTP, which they say may explain the lack of condemnation of TTP attacks.
Public opinion in Pakistan increasingly demands that the Afghan Taliban abandon what is seen as a dual approach and adopt a consistent, non-discriminatory stance against all forms of terrorism. Many emphasize that lasting regional peace requires Kabul to take practical steps to prevent Afghan soil from being used against Pakistan.
