Afghans urged to wage jihad against Uzbekistan (video)

Pro-Taliban cleric Sherali Hamad has called on people to wage jihad against Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan during a funeral ceremony held in the Guldara area of Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital. A video containing the appeal was published by Afghanistan International.

Sherali Hamad made these statements during a speech at the funeral of a man named Ayub, known by the nickname Zokir. The deceased was reportedly killed in recent clashes between the Taliban and Pakistani security forces in the border areas of Kunar province. During his speech, the cleric also issued threats against Pakistan, stating that he would not rest until the “Islamic flag is raised in Islamabad.”

In his inflammatory remarks, Sherali Hamad described the political systems of Central Asian countries and Pakistan as “parliamentary and infidel.” He called for the overthrow of these governments and urged jihad to establish Islamic rule in those countries.

These statements come at a time when the Taliban have repeatedly claimed that their rule in Afghanistan does not pose a threat to the region or the wider world and have asserted their intention to strengthen relations with neighboring countries. Meanwhile, Central Asian states and Pakistan have on several occasions expressed concern over the presence and activities of armed groups in Afghanistan.

To clarify the situation, QALAMPIR.UZ contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Ahror Burkhanov, work is currently underway regarding the issue, and additional information will be provided once results are available.

It is worth noting that earlier, the Taliban’s interim government in Afghanistan detained UranusTV journalist Nazira Rashidi, who is of Uzbek ethnicity.