Taliban supporter's remarks on Pakistan defense minister and Aafia Siddiqui spark controversy

Abdul Jabbar Estankzai, a political analyst supportive of the Taliban, reacted to recent comments by Pakistan's defense minister, who said wars in Afghanistan do not count as 'jihad.' Estankzai claimed the minister is 'severely' addicted to drugs and lacks control over his words.

Referring to Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neurosurgeon arrested in Ghazni province in 2008 after five years of disappearance and sentenced by a U.S. court to 86 years in prison for attacking American forces, Estankzai said: 'We freed 49,000 prisoners from Bagram, 35,000 from Pul-e-Charkhi, and hundreds from Guantanamo; one prisoner remains, whom we will free soon.'

Estankzai stated that Pakistan's policy has always been controlled by the United States and that without U.S. support, Islamabad's government would collapse 'very soon.' He accused Pakistan's government of leading its people toward 'humiliation' and said countries without 'expert and pious' leaders at the helm, like Pakistan, head toward ruin. He emphasized that Pakistan would face serious problems until power is handed to the ulema (mullahs).

In the interview with Tolo News, Estankzai also claimed Pakistani officials support Taliban opponents in the country. He noted Afghan investments in Pakistan and international aid due to Afghan refugees, adding: 'Pakistan lives on the strength and wealth of Afghan migrants.' He believes Pakistan's economy would suffer if Afghans leave.

The remarks have provoked strong reactions from Pakistani social media users, many of whom described them as direct encouragement of terrorist actions in Pakistan.