Pakistan’s Concerns Over Afghanistan’s Support for Terrorists Highlighted at UNSC
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, addressed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday, raising serious concerns about terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil with the support of the Afghan interim government. He highlighted the increasing cross-border attacks on Pakistan by militants using advanced weaponry, calling for stronger action from Afghanistan to curb these incursions.
Key Points from Ambassador Munir Akram’s Address:
- Support for Militants: Akram pointed out that Afghanistan’s interim government is providing support to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups involved in attacks on Pakistan.
- National Crackdown: Pakistan will continue its nationwide crackdown on “Fitna al-Khawarij”, a term used to describe extremist factions like TTP.
- Cross-Border Attacks: Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan to prevent its territory from being used by militants to launch attacks into Pakistan.
- Call for Cooperation: Akram expressed Pakistan’s willingness to cooperate with regional and international organizations to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan.
- Humanitarian Concerns: Pakistan remains concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and is committed to boosting trade and economic relations with its neighbor.
UN Secretary-General’s Appeal to Afghanistan
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his concern over the rise in cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghanistan into Pakistan, urging the Taliban to control their territory and prevent terrorist groups from operating.
- Guterres emphasized that these attacks are harming innocent civilians and threatening Pakistan’s security.
- He called on the Afghan government to ensure that terrorist groups do not use Afghan territory to carry out operations against other nations.
TTP and Taliban Connection: UN Report
A recent UN report revealed that the TTP is the largest terrorist group operating from Afghanistan, receiving support from the Taliban to conduct cross-border attacks into Pakistan.
Key Findings from the UN Report:
- The TTP has an estimated 6,000-6,500 fighters in Afghanistan.
- The Taliban view the TTP not as a terrorist group, but as close allies, and their support has reportedly increased since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
- Al-Qaeda operatives in Afghanistan are assisting TTP in conducting high-profile terrorist activities inside Pakistan.
Growing Threat to Pakistan’s Security
With the TTP’s expanding influence and the Taliban’s apparent inability or unwillingness to control these groups, Pakistan faces a growing security threat. The UN and Pakistan have called on the Taliban to take responsibility and stop these cross-border terrorist activities, which are destabilizing the region.