Former Afghan MP Slams Pakistan Army Chief After Tragic Killing of Cricketers, Alleges Retaliation for India Ties

A former Member of Parliament from Afghanistan, Aryan Yoon, has unleashed a scathing criticism against Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, following the brutal murder of three young Afghan cricketers in Karachi. Yoon's strong remarks come amidst escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly concerning border disputes and Pakistan's recent crackdown on undocumented Afghan nationals.

In a powerful statement, Yoon asserted that such tragic incidents often coincide with Afghanistan's efforts to forge closer ties with its long-standing ally, India.

He strongly implied a sinister pattern, suggesting that whenever Afghanistan makes progress in strengthening its relationship with India, a retaliatory or destabilizing event orchestrated by elements within Pakistan's establishment follows. This accusation points to a deeper geopolitical rivalry, where Pakistan allegedly views Afghanistan's growing proximity to India as a threat.

The three Afghan cricketers, identified as Fazal Mohammad, Najeebullah, and Abdul Samad, were reportedly abducted from Karachi's Sohrab Goth area on Saturday and later found brutally murdered.

Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the Afghan community and reignited accusations of targeted violence against Afghans living in Pakistan, particularly in light of recent directives by the Pakistani government for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.

Yoon, who has been an outspoken critic of Pakistan's perceived interference in Afghan affairs, called upon the Taliban administration to launch a thorough and independent investigation into the killings.

He urged the interim government to hold those responsible accountable, especially if evidence points towards state-sponsored actors. His impassioned plea underscores a deep-seated mistrust and resentment felt by many Afghans towards Pakistan's security apparatus.

Furthermore, the former MP lauded India for its consistent support and development initiatives in Afghanistan.

He highlighted India's role as a true friend, investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, thereby contributing significantly to the welfare of the Afghan people without ulterior motives. This praise for India serves as a stark contrast to his condemnatory remarks about Pakistan, reinforcing the narrative of India as a benevolent partner versus Pakistan as a problematic neighbor.

The incident further exacerbates the already strained relations between the two South Asian nations.

Pakistan has recently accused the Taliban government of not doing enough to curb militant groups operating from Afghan soil, while Afghanistan has criticized Pakistan's treatment of Afghan refugees and its border policies. Yoon's latest remarks add another layer of complexity, linking the safety of Afghan citizens in Pakistan directly to the geopolitical dynamics of the region and Afghanistan's bilateral relations.