Exiled Afghan ex-MP lashes out at Asim Munir: Report
What's the story
In an interview with NDTV, former Afghan Member of Parliament Mariam Solaimankhil has accused the Pakistan Army of "systematic terrorism" after recent attacks in Afghanistan's Paktia province. The attacks, which killed at least eight Afghans, including three cricketers, were condemned by Solaimankhil as "cowardly and barbaric." Speaking from the United States, she said these acts are part of a long-standing pattern of violence by Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies.
Diplomatic tensions
Solaimankhil links violence to Afghanistan's foreign minister's India visit
Solaimankhil also linked the recent cross-border violence to Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to India. She alleged that Pakistan feels threatened by Afghanistan's ties with India, a "brotherly, historic partner." The exiled MP called for stronger cooperation between India and Afghanistan against what she termed "the extremist ideology born in Rawalpindi."
Direct accusation
'You reap what you sow,' says Solaimankhil on Munir
Solaimankhil also slammed Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir, saying, "You reap what you sow." She accused the Pakistani establishment of running a "propaganda machine full of trolls" to justify civilian killings under the pretext of anti-TTP operations. The former Afghan MP called for a boycott of cricket with Pakistan, saying no nation valuing human rights should play with a regime that spills blood and steals culture.
Sports boycott
Afghanistan withdraw from T20I series against Pakistan
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has also expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Afghan cricketers in the recent attacks. In a statement, they confirmed three players were martyred and seven others injured in a cowardly attack by the Pakistani regime. As a mark of respect to these victims, Afghanistan has withdrawn from participating in an upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan scheduled for late November.