ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to ensure that its territory does not become a sanctuary for terrorist groups threatening regional security. Speaking before the UN Security Council, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, highlighted the growing security challenges stemming from militant activities across the Afghan border.
Terrorism Threat from Afghan Soil
“Terrorism emanating from Afghanistan remains a serious threat to its neighbours, particularly Pakistan,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar stated during the Security Council debate on Afghanistan. He pointed to the presence of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which maintains a stronghold of approximately 6,000 militants in Afghanistan close to Pakistan’s border. The TTP is among several UN-designated terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
The ambassador further emphasized that other extremist entities, including Al-Qaeda and various Baloch militant factions, continue to exploit ungoverned areas within Afghanistan. “We also have credible evidence of collaboration between the TTP and other groups, such as the BLA and its Majeed Brigade, aimed at disrupting strategic infrastructure and economic development projects in Pakistan,” he warned.
Regional Implications and Refugee Concerns
Addressing broader regional concerns, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar noted the potential destabilizing effects of ongoing conflicts in Iran following Israeli attacks. “A refugee exodus into neighbouring countries—including Afghanistan and Pakistan—could pose significant new challenges,” he said, stressing the fragile conditions in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has long hosted millions of Afghan refugees and has seen an additional influx of approximately one million undocumented Afghans since August 2021. This increase has strained local resources and raised law-and-order concerns, prompting Pakistan to call for greater international support to share the humanitarian burden more equitably.
Pakistan’s Defensive Measures and Engagement
Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts to counter these threats, the ambassador revealed that Pakistani security forces confiscated substantial caches of modern weapons left behind after the withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan in 2021. In April, security operations resulted in the neutralization of 54 TTP militants attempting to infiltrate Pakistan, underscoring the persistent threat level.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains committed to fostering stability in Afghanistan. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar affirmed Islamabad’s support for reviving Afghanistan’s economy, restoring its banking system, and seeking mechanisms to unfreeze Afghan financial assets. He cited ongoing high-level engagements with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, including efforts by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Pakistan also welcomes UN initiatives like the Doha Process aimed at structured dialogue with Afghan authorities. The ambassador emphasized the urgent need for a “comprehensive and inclusive framework” that addresses regional concerns as outlined in recent independent assessments.
Commitment to Education and Human Rights
While advocating for cooperation, Pakistan expressed concern over continued restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, which conflict with international norms and Islamic traditions. To support Afghan youth, Pakistan is currently running the third phase of the Allama Iqbal Scholarship Programme, benefiting 4,500 Afghan students—approximately one-third of whom are women.
A Vision for Peace and Stability
“As two immediate neighbours bound by history, geography, ethnicity, language, faith, and culture, our destinies are deeply intertwined,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar remarked, calling for dialogue and diplomacy as pathways to peace and development.
He concluded, “Pakistan stands committed to playing a constructive and proactive role in helping Afghanistan achieve lasting peace and stability.”
