KABUL, Afghanistan: A senior Afghan Taliban commander has publicly declared that Taliban fighters, known as Mujahideen, are not allowed to participate in any form of “jihad” outside Afghanistan, particularly in Pakistan, without approval from the group’s Supreme Leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada.
The announcement was made by Commander Saeed Ullah Saeed during the graduation ceremony of a 45-day police training course at the Hamza Military Academy in Kabul.
Addressing newly trained forces, Commander Saeed stressed that “jihad” outside Afghan borders—especially in Pakistan—is strictly prohibited unless allowed by the Taliban leadership.
“If a person goes outside Afghanistan for jihad without the order of the Amir [Supreme Leader], he will be considered a sinner under Islamic Sharia and will no longer be recognised as a Mujahideen of the Taliban,” Commander Saeed warned.
He added that fighters acting independently or aligning with other groups in foreign countries would be deemed expelled from the movement.
Commander Saeed rebuked fighters who continue to engage in armed activities outside Afghanistan, declaring that “this is not jihad, but a pursuit driven by ego, not obedience.”
He urged such individuals to consult Islamic scholars (Ulema) to understand the correct interpretation of jihad in line with Sharia principles. “Before implementing any Islamic order—whether it is prayers, fasting, Zakat, Hajj or jihad—one must learn and understand its requirements,” he said.
The commander reiterated that the Supreme Leader has repeatedly barred Taliban members from engaging in combat beyond Afghanistan’s borders.
Commander Saeed’s announcement comes at a time when concerns are growing within the international community over Afghanistan’s potential to become a safe haven for terrorist groups.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns with the Taliban-led Afghan government, urging it to prevent the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from using Afghan territory as a base for launching cross-border attacks. Islamabad has called for the dismantling of TTP sanctuaries and demanded the handover of its leadership.
Earlier this month, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) released a report warning of the presence of regional and global terrorist groups operating freely in Afghanistan.
The report highlighted the Taliban’s ties to Al-Qaida and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP), describing the security situation as a serious threat to regional stability.
“Afghanistan’s security situation has far-reaching consequences,” the UNICRI report stated. “It is crucial for the international community to comprehend these risks and take appropriate action.”
The report raised alarm over the increased operational freedom Al-Qaida enjoys under Taliban rule, warning that Afghanistan could again become a staging ground for global terrorism.
In February 2025, the United Nations Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team reported that Al-Qaida operatives were actively assisting TTP terrorists in launching cross-border attacks.
The report also confirmed that some Taliban members had joined the TTP, viewing it as a religious obligation to support their cause.
“Besides supplying weapons and equipment, Taliban rank and file, Al-Qaida core… assisted TTP forces in cross-border attacks… Some Taliban members also joined TTP,” the report noted.
The United States has also expressed concern over terrorist attacks emanating from Afghan soil. In March, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said the US “deeply” regrets the loss of life caused by terrorist attacks in Pakistan and urged the Taliban to prevent such attacks. “We urge the Taliban to ensure that terrorist attacks are not launched from Afghan soil,” Patel stated.
