KABUL - The Afghan government will not allow any armed group to stand alongside the national security forces, President Hamid Karzai's spokesman said on Monday, a clear sign that it will not support the move of the Jihadi Council to form a private army.

Aimal Faizi said the last speeches of the Minister of Energy and Water and Jihadi Council leader Mohammad Ismail Khan on the creation of armed groups is not acceptable for the government.

Ismail Khan had said that he plans to form a special militia unit from former Mujahedeen leaders and fighters to help bring more security to the country. He also claimed to have the support of Karzai for this.

But Faizi said the decision went against Afghanistan's Laws.

"About Ismail Khan's speeches, the government does not accept any armed group under any name. The speeches do not represent government policies," he said.

"The Afghan people have already experienced such groups once, and that was not pleasant," he added.

Faizi also noted in the press briefing that Pakistan had thrown its support behind the peace process with its prisoner release as requested by Afghanistan, and he urged the Taliban to cut any ties with Al Qaeda.

"Pakistan has asked all the armed opposition groups of the Afghan government to cut ties with Al Qaeda and come to the negotiation table with Afghanistan. It is hopeful," he said.

The spokesman added that it was the first time that Pakistan has replied to Afghanistan's requests for cooperation and there were high hopes for the future of the peace process. (Tolo News)