Power division between Taliban leaders carries out by Pakistani authorities: MoI

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) in reaction to the criticism of Pakistan that blames Afghanistan for the attack on Peshawar air force base says that Pakistan has always supported terrorism and insecurity in Afghanistan and has an essential role in the authorizing of the Afghan Taliban leaders.

MoI claims that Pakistani authorities conduct power division between Taliban leaders to achieve its goals in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan not only supports the Taliban leaders and centers but also carries out the power division between them,” Nurolhaq Ulomi, the interior minister said.

Afghans think Pakistan has a hand in instigating the crisis and is now trying to push its own candidates for Taliban leadership before calling for negotiations to resume.

Pakistan has strong leverage over Taliban militants who moved there after their regime fell in 2001, but other insurgent factions, especially a group now based in Qatar, do not trust Pakistan and oppose the talks in part because of their involvement.

The neighboring country has recently stated that Afghanistan must recognize the formality of Durand Line so they prepare to protect the line.

But the Afghan interior minister in respond to the statements says, “We would never recognize the formality of the Durand Line and we will maintain our borders as much as we are able.”

Previously, Pakistan’s army claimed that the militants who attacked an air force base in Peshawar had come from Afghanistan.

Gunmen stormed the air base on the outskirts of the northwestern city of Peshawar early on Friday, triggering a shootout with security forces.

At least 23 air force personnel, three army soldiers and four civilians killed, according to Pakistani officials.

Reported by Ahmad Farshad Saleh