By: AISRS Editorial Staff
In a recent chat with Al Jazeera, Mawlawi Abdul Haq Wasiq, the intelligence chief of Afghanistan, shared a powerful message aimed at both Afghans and the global community: Afghanistan will not permit its land to be used against any other nation.
For the people of Afghanistan, this isn’t just a matter of policy — it’s about their dignity. After enduring decades of war, foreign meddling, and proxy conflicts, Afghans yearn for a future where their homeland is characterized by peace and opportunity rather than strife. For the international community, it’s a promise that Afghanistan is not looking for confrontation, but rather for partnerships grounded in mutual respect.
Steps Toward Security
Wasiq highlighted some real progress. The era of “mysterious assassinations” is behind them. Criminal organizations and mafia groups have been taken down. Sleeper cells and sabotage schemes have been thwarted. Targeted killings, which were once commonplace, have significantly decreased.
These aren’t just empty words — they represent genuine efforts to foster stability. They demonstrate that Afghanistan is not a lawless void but a nation striving to take charge of its own security.
Countering False Narratives
Despite the efforts made, Afghanistan continues to face accusations that foreign fighters, especially from Syria, are being brought into the country. Wasiq has strongly dismissed these claims, labeling them as politically charged and fabricated. He pointed out that such allegations often stem from intelligence circles and individuals who prefer to portray Afghanistan in the worst possible light. He emphasized that Afghanistan has nothing to conceal. The government has welcomed collaboration and even urged the United Nations to conduct an impartial investigation. His message was straightforward: if accountability is necessary, let it be based on fairness and solid evidence, not mere rumors.
ISIS-K: Not an Afghan Creation
One of the biggest worries surrounding Afghanistan is the threat posed by ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan). Wasiq made a crucial distinction: ISIS-K did not originate from Afghan soil. It’s a long-standing issue that has been imported from elsewhere, lacking any real ties to Afghan culture, religion, or social structure. The Afghan people themselves have been the primary victims of ISIS-K’s brutality. Therefore, it’s both misleading and unfair to label ISIS-K as an “Afghan problem.” By targeting and dismantling its cells, Afghanistan is not only protecting its own citizens but also playing a role in enhancing regional and global security.
Destabilization Is Counterproductive
Wasiq pointed out a tough truth: some countries seem intent on keeping Afghanistan in turmoil by spreading unverified stories or amplifying negative narratives. While this might serve short-term political goals, it ultimately erodes trust and weakens the entire region.
Destabilizing Afghanistan is not the answer. It risks igniting new cycles of violence, deters investment, and blocks economic opportunities that could uplift millions across Asia. On the flip side, a stable Afghanistan benefits everyone — it leads to safer borders, secure trade routes, and a stronger foundation for regional prosperity.
Afghanistan in a Changing World
Wasiq’s message resonates in today’s fast-evolving global landscape. The world is no longer dominated by a single power; we’re moving toward a multipolar system where regional voices carry more weight. In this context, only a stable Afghanistan can truly contribute to stabilizing its neighborhood.
As a nation, Afghans have the right to choose their own way of life and beliefs. That’s their prerogative. But this doesn’t mean they have to isolate themselves or reject others. Afghanistan can coexist peacefully with its neighbors and the broader world, as long as those relationships are built on mutual respect and shared interests.
A Principle of Sovereignty
Afghanistan’s position goes beyond mere politics; it’s deeply rooted in principle. International law mandates that countries must prevent their territories from being used to harm others. By reaffirming this commitment, Afghanistan is making it clear that it recognizes its responsibilities.
However, this principle needs to be mutual. Just as Afghanistan vows not to pose a threat to others, it expects the same respect in return—no interference in its internal matters. Afghans are all too familiar with the heavy toll of being caught in the crossfire of foreign conflicts. Only through mutual respect can this cycle be broken.
Extending a Hand, Not a Fist
One of the most notable aspects of Wasiq’s comments was his tone. There was no hint of defiance or threats; instead, he extended an open hand. “Afghanistan is a country that loves peace; it is not a threat to anyone,” he stated.
This message was directed at everyone—from neighboring countries like Pakistan, Iran, and China, to global powers in Washington, Moscow, and Brussels. It was an invitation to view Afghanistan not with suspicion, but through the lens of its genuine desire to progress responsibly.
A Call to Engage
The significance of this message lies not in the disappearance of Afghanistan’s challenges—they are still very much present. Rather, it’s about Afghanistan’s clear and serious commitment to change. The international community can choose to brush it off as mere rhetoric or embrace it as a chance for dialogue and collaboration.
Engagement doesn’t equate to blind trust; it involves dialogue, transparency, and verification. But fostering dialogue is always preferable to isolation, and cooperation is far more productive than suspicion.
For Afghans, this is about dignity—the right to be recognized as partners rather than problems. For the region and the world, it’s about security and the economic opportunities that arise from a connected Afghanistan.
Conclusion
Afghanistan has made a commitment: it won’t let its land be used as a starting point for conflict. At the same time, it’s eager to be seen for what it can become — a center for connectivity, a bridge linking different regions, and a partner in prosperity.
Now, the ball is in the court of the international community. If this commitment is met with fairness, open dialogue, and mutual respect, it could signal the start of a new chapter — one that’s not filled with suspicion and mistrust, but rather with peace, harmony, and shared growth.