Special Correspondent
UNITED NATIONS: At a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan called on the Afghan Taliban to take decisive and verifiable action against terrorist organizations operating from Afghan territory, warning of growing regional security risks.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, expressed serious concern over cross-border terrorism and the continued presence of militant groups in Afghanistan.
He noted that despite nearly five years since the Taliban’s return to power, the country has failed to achieve lasting peace or stability.
He said that groups such as TTP, BLA, ISIS-K, and ETIM continue to operate from Afghan soil, posing a direct threat to Pakistan and the wider region.
According to the envoy, terrorist organizations now have access to advanced weapons, including drones and arms left behind after the withdrawal of foreign forces.
Ahmad revealed that over 5,300 terrorist incidents were reported in Pakistan in 2025, resulting in more than 1,200 deaths. He cited a recent attack on a police checkpoint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as an example, claiming it was planned from within Afghanistan.
Pakistan, he said, has consistently supported Afghanistan through humanitarian aid, trade facilitation, and diplomatic engagement. However, expectations that the Taliban would act as a responsible governing authority have not been met.
The envoy also criticized the Taliban for failing to clearly condemn terrorist groups, suggesting possible complicity. He stressed that Pakistan reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and security.
Addressing humanitarian concerns, Ahmad noted that Afghanistan’s crisis is largely driven by internal governance failures. He also pointed to severe restrictions on women’s rights, calling them inconsistent with both international norms and Islamic principles.
Pakistan urged the international community to push for accountability and called on the Taliban to take immediate, credible steps against militant groups. “Time is running out,” he warned, adding that there is still an opportunity for the Taliban to change course and work constructively with the global community.
The ambassador said sustainable peace in Afghanistan is essential for regional stability, and decisive action against terrorism remains the key requirement.
