UN PICTURE RELEASED BY PAK. MISSION
Special Correspondent
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has reiterated its firm commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session on the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed emphasized the need for continued international engagement and support for the Afghan people during these challenging times
Ambassador Iftikhar acknowledged the difficult circumstances since the interim authorities took over in Afghanistan nearly four years ago.
“The situation remains fragile, and the condition of the Afghan people has deteriorated,” he said, highlighting the impact of sanctions, terrorism, narcotics, and human rights violations.
He noted that many of Afghanistan’s current challenges are rooted in its violent past and stressed that the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan remains critically underfunded.
“The international community must support humanitarian and development efforts in Afghanistan unconditionally,” he urged.
The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for mechanisms aimed at stabilizing Afghanistan’s economy and unfreezing its financial assets. Despite its own economic challenges, Pakistan has maintained practical engagement and remains one of Afghanistan’s largest export markets and key import sources.
Welcoming UN-led efforts, including the Doha Process, he stressed that Afghanistan’s internal challenges have regional consequences.
“Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades,” he said. “Since August 2021, over one million undocumented Afghans have entered Pakistan, and this burden must be shared fairly by the international community.”
Ambassador Iftikhar also raised alarm over terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, particularly targeting neighboring countries, including Pakistan.
“Afghanistan must not become a safe haven for terrorists,” he said, citing the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which comprises nearly 6,000 militants equipped with advanced weaponry seized after international forces withdrew.
He presented evidence that the TTP maintains active cooperation with other extremist groups aimed at sabotaging strategic infrastructure and development projects in the region.
“Interim Afghan authorities must fulfill their international obligations,” he asserted.
Ambassador Iftikhar further emphasized Pakistan’s continued support for educational opportunities for Afghan youth and reiterated that Pakistan desires a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan. He called for sustained international engagement with Afghan authorities to help achieve this goal.
Concluding his remarks, the ambassador also voiced concern over potential instability in the region following unprovoked Israeli attacks in Iran, urging restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
