Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar, has declared terrorism emanating from Afghan territory as the most serious threat to Pakistan’s national security.
Speaking at a UN Security Council session on the situation in Afghanistan, Ambassador Iftikhar warned that Afghanistan has once again become a safe haven for terrorist groups and their proxy networks.
He stressed that cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan poses severe security challenges for neighbouring states — particularly Pakistan — and its impact is being felt beyond the region.
The Pakistani envoy told the Council that several terrorist organisations, including ISIS-K, Al-Qaeda, TTP, ETIM, BLA, and the Majid Brigade, are exploiting safe sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.
He informed the Council that dozens of terrorist camps are operating inside Afghanistan, enabling cross-border infiltration, suicide attacks and other violent acts.
Ambassador Iftikhar noted that the UN Monitoring Team has confirmed the presence of nearly 6,000 TTP militants on Afghan soil, adding that certain elements within the Taliban ranks are aiding these groups by offering them freedom of movement and operational space.
He further stated that there is solid evidence of collaboration among terrorist outfits, involving joint training, illegal weapons trafficking, providing shelter to militants, and coordinating attacks against Pakistan from Afghan territory.
Without directly naming India, the envoy said that a hostile and opportunistic state has intensified its material, technical and financial support for anti-Pakistan terrorist groups and proxy networks.
Calling for stronger measures to curb illicit trade and the destabilising spread of small and light weapons in Afghanistan and the region, the envoy urged collective international action.
He emphasised that the Taliban must take credible, verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from their soil. Failing this, Pakistan will take all necessary defensive measures to safeguard its people, territory and sovereignty.
Ambassador Iftikhar added that the war in Afghanistan has ended, expressing hope that Afghan citizens will return to their homeland in a dignified, phased and orderly manner.
