Religious scholar Tahir Ashrafi has urged leading scholars from across the Muslim world to determine whether attacks against Pakistan from Afghan territory are justified under Islamic law.
Prominent religious scholar Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has urged leading scholars from across the Muslim world to form a committee to determine whether attacks against Pakistan from Afghan territory can be justified under Islamic law.
Speaking about the growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Ashrafi said that in recent days several religious figures associated with Afghanistan’s current administration had been discussing the situation on social media. However, he emphasized that the central question remains which side initiated the current escalation.
Over 100,000 Pakistanis Killed in Terrorism
Ashrafi said that Pakistan has suffered immense losses due to terrorism, noting that more than 100,000 Pakistanis have been killed over the years.
He also recalled past tragedies where schoolchildren were targeted in terrorist attacks, stressing that these incidents remain deeply painful for the nation.
The religious scholar clarified that he was not referring specifically to the eras of former Afghan leaders such as Hamid Karzai, Ashraf Ghani, or the earlier Taliban leadership under Mullah Mohammad Omar, although the wounds from those periods remain fresh.
Mosque Attacks Increased After Taliban Takeover
According to Ashrafi, since the Afghan Taliban came to power, over 1,000 people have been killed in attacks on mosques in Pakistan alone.
He added that this figure does not include attacks on public places, the military, police, or other security institutions.
Pakistan Used Diplomatic Channels
Ashrafi said Pakistan has repeatedly attempted to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels, reaching out to friendly countries including Qatar, China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite these efforts, he claimed that threats continued to emerge from Afghan cities such as Kabul, Jalalabad, and Kandahar.
Concerns Over Afghan Taliban Stance
Referring to a recent interview by Afghan Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, Ashrafi said the remarks created the impression that elements within Afghanistan’s current administration may be supporting groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.
He also questioned whether Afghanistan’s interim government had implemented a declaration reportedly issued earlier by around 1,000 Afghan religious scholars.
“If such declarations are not implemented, the question remains how long this situation will continue,” he said.
Foreign Support for Militants
Ashrafi further alleged that some elements operating from Afghanistan are receiving support from India and Israel to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
He stressed that Pakistan has no interest in Afghanistan’s government, territory, or resources, and recognizes Afghanistan as an independent country.
Call for Religious Verdict in Makkah
Ashrafi proposed that a committee of prominent scholars from across the Muslim world should be formed to evaluate the issue in light of Quran and Sunnah.
He suggested that scholars could gather in Makkah to determine whether attacks originating from Afghan territory against Pakistan are justified under Islamic teachings, ethical standards, and international law.
Pakistan Reserves Right to Self-Defense
Ashrafi said Pakistan has made it clear that if its citizens are targeted, the country reserves the right to respond in self-defense.
He concluded by praying for peace across the Muslim world and expressed hope that stability and security would prevail in the region.
