Islamabad raises Afghan terrorism concerns at UN Security Council

Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has alerted the United Nations Security Council about the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups operating from safe havens within Afghanistan. Speaking at a briefing on international peace and security, Ahmad emphasized that these groups pose a growing danger to regional stability.

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multiple terrorist groups continue to operate from safe havens inside Afghanistan, posing a growing threat to regional security.

Ambassador Ahmad also used the platform to voice Pakistan's concerns regarding Jammu and Kashmir, marking the seventh anniversary of India's 2019 decision to revoke the region's special constitutional status. He characterized the measures taken on that day as a "new phase of repression" against the Kashmiri people and accused India of "state terrorism" in the disputed territory. Ahmad urged the international community to adopt a "zero tolerance" approach and prevent counterterrorism efforts from being used to suppress what Pakistan deems legitimate struggles for self-determination.

The discussion on terrorism and regional security was heavily focused on Afghanistan-based militant organizations, a matter of significant concern for Pakistan and increasingly a point of focus for Washington's regional strategy. This address followed the fourth U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue held in Washington, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing security cooperation.

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The situation in Afghanistan remains deeply alarming. Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, multiple terrorist groups continue to thrive in that country in an increasingly permissive environment.

Ambassador Ahmad noted that while international counterterrorism efforts have weakened groups like the Islamic State, the overall terrorist threat continues to evolve, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. He specifically mentioned the Islamic State's Khorasan chapter (IS-K) as a significant concern, despite facing setbacks from Pakistani counter-terrorism operations. "The situation in Afghanistan remains deeply alarming," Ahmad stated. "Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, multiple terrorist groups continue to thrive in that country in an increasingly permissive environment."

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state terrorism

Pakistan specifically named the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade, IS-K and its affiliates, the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and Al Qaeda affiliates as groups allegedly having access to safe havens inside Afghanistan. Pakistan has frequently accused the TTP of using Afghan territory to plan and execute attacks within Pakistan, allegations that Taliban authorities have denied. Islamabad has also pointed fingers at external actors for supporting terrorist groups targeting Pakistan. The ambassador implored the Taliban authorities to uphold their responsibility to ensure that Afghan territory is not utilized by any terrorist organization.

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zero tolerance