Pakistan has urged the United Nations to take decisive action to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hub for terrorism, warning that militant groups based there pose a severe threat to regional and global security. During a UN General Assembly session, Pakistan’s Permanent Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stressed that Afghanistan must not be allowed to serve as a launchpad for attacks against neighboring countries. He singled out the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a major security concern, with its fighters actively operating from Afghan territory.
Pakistan has faced escalating violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Last week, Pakistani security forces thwarted an infiltration attempt by 30 terrorists near North Waziristan, believed to be backed by India. Ambassador Ahmad highlighted that groups like TTP, Al-Qaeda, and Daesh continue to exploit instability in Afghanistan, carrying out sophisticated attacks using advanced weaponry.
The ambassador revealed alarming evidence of collaboration between TTP and other militant organizations, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade. These alliances aim to sabotage Pakistan’s infrastructure and economic projects. With approximately 6,000 fighters, TTP remains the largest UN-designated terrorist group in Afghanistan, further complicating regional security dynamics.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to counterterrorism efforts but emphasized the need for global support. The country recently held talks with India on bilateral issues, including security and trade, with both sides acknowledging terrorism as a critical threat. Ambassador Ahmad called for concrete measures to dismantle terror networks in Afghanistan, stressing that lasting peace in South Asia depends on preventing militants from using Afghan soil as a safe haven.