Kabul: The Afghan Taliban, who currently rule the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), have distanced themselves from recent claims made by a banned Pakistani terror group claiming to be a branch of the IEA.

The Afghan Taliban's statements come after Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander, said that the organisation is a branch of the IEA, and that TTP is operated under what he called the IEA's wider umbrella. "Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is a branch of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, and it is part of that umbrella on this territory," Noor Wali Mehsud said in a video to TTP members. The TTP allegation, on the other hand, was dismissed by an IEA official, who stated that TTP is not included.

"They are not a member of the IEA as an organisation, and we do not share the same objectives," Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated. "TTP should concentrate on maintaining peace and stability in their country, according to us. This is critical in order to deter adversaries from interfering in the area and in Pakistan. We also ask Pakistan to consider their demands for the good of the region and Pakistan." IEA has stated that "it will not intervene in other countries' issues," Mujahid said, referring to the topic of dealing with TTP as a Pakistani internal matter.

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