Taliban Fatwa Targets Armed Groups, Signals Border Control Effort
DID Press: Taliban government issued a fatwa declaring the use of Afghanistan territory for operations against other countries as “forbidden,” signaling a dual message: asserting its responsibility for territorial integrity domestically, while showing the international community and neighboring states that Kabul is committed to preventing cross-border threats.
The announcement followed the visit of Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada to Kabul and comes amid heightened tensions along the Afghan‑Pakistani border. While the fatwa does not specifically name groups such as Tehrik‑i‑Taliban Pakistan, it aligns closely with ongoing disputes between Kabul and Islamabad regarding cross-border militant activity.
Domestically, the move is intended to strengthen the Taliban’s central authority and managerial legitimacy by demonstrating oversight and discipline over armed factions. Regionally, it serves as a religious‑diplomatic tool to increase pressure on militant groups and potentially reduce the credibility of counterclaims by neighboring states.
However, analysts caution that the fatwa’s effectiveness will depend on the Taliban’s ability to implement and enforce its directives on the ground. Without robust monitoring, intelligence, and judicial mechanisms, the declaration risks remaining largely symbolic.
Politically, the measure could reinforce central control within the Taliban hierarchy, curbing rogue commanders and local factions. But if enforcement lacks transparency or legal oversight, it may provoke social and legal controversies.
Experts suggest three steps are necessary for the fatwa to translate into actionable policy:
Launching transparent investigations and legal follow-ups against noncompliant groups.
Engaging in parallel diplomatic dialogue with Pakistan and regional mediation to turn the declaration into practical agreements.
Maintaining continuous communication with domestic and regional audiences to prevent misunderstandings.
In conclusion, the fatwa and the leader’s visit to Kabul could mark a starting point to reduce cross-border tensions and limit militant activities, but its real impact depends on political will, implementation capacity, and regional acceptance. Otherwise, it risks being purely symbolic.
by Mohsen Mowahed | DID Press Agency