ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, has warned about the potential for a major terrorist attack from Afghanistan, similar to the September 11 attacks on the United States.
Durrani highlighted the increasing threat posed by ISIS and the global community’s diminishing focus on Afghanistan, a local newspaper cited the envoy as saying.
Durrani expressed concern that the world’s attention has largely shifted away from Afghanistan, now overshadowed by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. He warned that this shift could lead to a resurgence of conditions similar to those preceding the September 11 attacks.
“The world seems to have forgotten about Afghanistan,” Durrani said. “This global neglect could push Afghanistan back to a pre-September 11 state, a situation that could precipitate another major terrorist attack.”
The Special Representative pointed out that ISIS, a significant threat to global security, is expanding its presence in Afghanistan. The group’s recent attacks in Moscow, Tehran, and Pakistan underscore its growing capability and the potential for further assaults.
Durrani emphasized that the rise of ISIS in Afghanistan is a severe and escalating threat that could have far-reaching consequences beyond the region.
Despite these concerns, Taliban officials have yet to respond publicly to Durrani’s warnings.
The envoy also remarked that the Taliban is on a path towards international recognition and acceptance but emphasized that the Taliban’s actions and decrees are not religious in nature.
According to Durrani, the Taliban has implemented specific laws and regulations that might fit Afghanistan’s conditions but certainly do not align with the Islamic principles they claim to follow.
Durrani’s remarks highlight the urgent need for the international community to refocus on Afghanistan and address the growing threats posed by extremist groups like ISIS.
