Many in Pakistan are rejoicing the earlier-than-expected takeover of Kabul by the Taliban.

Some of those celebrating the developments in Afghanistan appear to be motivated by a sense of religious solidarity. They are jubilant and trying to spread cheer on social media. Some have issued statements saying they hope to see a strict enforcement of Islamic laws there and wishing similar developments in Pakistan at some points. Many of these Pakistanis are happy that there will be an Islamic rule. Some says they hope that it will be a moderate enforcement. Some are particularly interested in the sharia-ordained punishments for sex crimes, theft, robbery and murder.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has described the fall of Kabul to the Taliban as “breaking the shackles of slavery.”

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief is reported to have openly expressed sympathy for the Taliban ideology. He is also reported to have written a letter to Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the senior Taliban leader, congratulating him on the victory. A similar letter apparently written by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), banned in the country and designated a terrorist group, is available on the social media. The TTP letter also says that it would not hesitate in rendering any sacrifice for the stability and development of the Islamic Emirate and that it considers this “its responsibility.” The letter says Afghanistan’s imminent return to Taliban rule is a victory for the whole Muslim Ummah.

Senator Sirajul Haq, the chief Jamaat-i-Islami, has expressed joy in a public speech. He has praised the Taliban for declaring peace, a general amnesty, the promise of non-retaliation against political opponents, protection of diplomats and other foreigners. This, he has said, is unprecedented in recent history. He has also said his party stands in solidarity with the Afghan Taliban and hopes for the establishment of a strong Islamic government in Afghanistan that will eventually “enlighten the entire Muslim world.” He has said that his party too would continue its efforts for a sharia-based rule in Pakistan. Haq has urged the government to accord diplomatic recognition to the Taliban government in Kabul.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has described the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan as “breaking the shackles of slavery.”

Some sections of the society are happy about the Taliban return as they hope that this prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorist attacks and sabotage against Pakistan. They are particularly happy with the Afghan Taliban’s statements to the effect that nobody would be allowed to use their land against any other country.

“What we expect from the Taliban is that they will impose an Islamic system. We will be happier if a similar system is introduced in Pakistan, too,” Adil Khan, a small trader in Islamabad says. He adds, “Ultimately, we are all Muslims. We have to work towards an Islamic system.” He says Pakistan might learn a few things from the Taliban rule in Afghanistan including how they control obscenity in the society.

“It is a great victory. It is a defeat for an alliance of more than 50 countries. A few thousand Taiban fighters have ousted them from Afghanistan. We should celebrate it. We should tell people about the benefits of implementation of Islamic and shariah laws in curbing crime,” Maulana Abdulaziz, the former Lal Masjid cleric known for his open support for the Taliban, has said in a message. He said the development had encouraged “us and will boost our efforts for an Islamic system. We have to devote our lives for Islam and shariah. We should devote our lives, threatened by coronavirus to the cause of establishing Allah’s system in this world,” he has stated. His seminary in G-7 sector of Islamabad was reported earlier to have put up the Taliban flag on the rooftop to express solidarity. The district administration later managed to remove it. A group of people was also spotted carrying the Taliban flag at Lake View Park and F-9 Park in the capital.

Some political analysts say that the situation in Afghanistan will have an impact on Pakistani politics and might boost rightwing groups. They say state institutions should pay serious attention to the phenomenon and take appropriate precautions.

The author is a staff reporter. He can be reached at vaqargillani@gmail.com