UNITED NATIONS: Reiterating its principled stance against terrorism, Pakistan has urged the United Nations to take decisive steps to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hub for transnational terror groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad termed a regional and global threat.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly’s plenary session on the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, emphasized the urgent need to address the proliferation of terrorism from Afghan soil.
“We must ensure that Afghanistan does not become a breeding ground for terrorists that threatens not only its neighbours, but the region and beyond,” the ambassador stressed.
Cross-Border Threats and Rising Militancy
The ambassador’s remarks came just days after Pakistani security forces eliminated at least 30 Indian-backed militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan into North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Pakistan has seen a significant uptick in cross-border attacks, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. While military tensions with India remain contained, extremist violence continues to pose serious internal security threats.
“Daesh continues to target the de facto authorities, while other terrorist entities including Al-Qaeda, the TTP, and Baloch militant groups operate freely in ungoverned spaces within Afghanistan,” Ambassador Ahmad warned.
He pointed out that the TTP, with nearly 6,000 fighters, is the largest UN-designated terrorist group operating from Afghan territory, and that cross-recruitment with Daesh and other outfits increases the threat’s complexity and scope.
Sophisticated Attacks, Regional Destabilisation
Ambassador Ahmad said recent terror attacks had demonstrated the use of modern weapons, ammunition, and technology by these groups, reflecting their increasing operational capabilities.
“We have credible evidence of collaboration between the TTP and other entities, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Majeed Brigade, aimed at sabotaging strategic infrastructure and economic projects in Pakistan,” he stated.
He lamented that Afghan territory is being used by proxies to target Pakistan, adding that such actions are detrimental not only to Pakistan’s stability but to the broader regional peace architecture.
Diplomatic Engagement and Economic Revitalisation
On a broader note, Ambassador Ahmad reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to supporting Afghanistan’s recovery, highlighting decades of hosting Afghan refugees and the additional burden of nearly one million undocumented migrants entering since August 2021.
He urged the international community to revive Afghanistan’s economy and banking system, unfreeze assets, and promote trade and investment. He also called for expanded regional connectivity through projects like:
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TAPI (Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India pipeline)
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CASA-1000
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Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway
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Extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
“For the first time in over four decades, Afghanistan has witnessed the cessation of active conflict. There is now a renewed hope for a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Afghanistan that is at peace with itself, its neighbours and the world,” he concluded.
Ambassador Ahmad stressed that Afghanistan must not be abandoned, and urged the UN and global powers to adopt a practical, sustained engagement strategy through dialogue and diplomacy, as the only viable path to lasting peace.
