The Afghan Taliban on Tuesday condemned the deadly explosion in New Delhi that killed at least eight people, while remaining completely silent on the suicide bombing in Islamabad that claimed at least 12 lives.
In a statement, Kabul expressed condolences to the victims’ families and to the people and government of India, denouncing the Delhi attack in strong terms. However, no comment or condemnation came regarding the Islamabad blast that ripped through the capital’s judicial complex the same day. Pakistani officials confirmed that the Islamabad attack was carried out by a suicide bomber, while no group has yet claimed responsibility.
Taliban authorities’ selective response has sparked outrage in Pakistan and reinforced concerns that the Afghan regime cares for none and remains hell-bent on pursuing its agenda—with the help and support of a wounded India—instead of honouring its promises to act against foreign terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
Observers say the Taliban’s silence appears to validate growing fears voiced by regional powers, particularly Pakistan, that the unchecked Afghan safe havens and the advanced weapons now in Taliban hands pose a grave threat to regional peace and stability. These same concerns were reiterated in Pakistan’s latest warning at the UN General Assembly yesterday, where Islamabad urged urgent action to prevent Afghanistan from again becoming a hub for cross-border terrorism.
