Pakistan warns UN of growing terror threat from Afghan soil

WEB DESK: Pakistan has cautioned the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that militant activity emanating from Afghanistan poses a “serious threat” to its national security, urging the Taliban government to take decisive action against groups operating from its territory.

Addressing a UNSC session on the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, said cross-border terrorism had escalated to an alarming level. He warned that if the Afghan authorities failed to act, Pakistan would be compelled to take measures to safeguard its people.

Iftikhar noted that the UN’s own monitoring team had confirmed the presence of approximately 6,000 fighters belonging to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) inside Afghanistan. He stressed that this continued presence contradicted the Taliban’s commitments to prevent their soil from being used against neighbouring countries.

The meeting also referenced recent gatherings of Afghan scholars and religious leaders who urged militants not to cross into Pakistan or engage in violence.

Reiterating Islamabad’s longstanding position on Afghan refugees, Iftikhar said the war in Afghanistan had ended and conditions were now conducive for displaced Afghans to return home. He called for renewed international support to facilitate their repatriation and ensure long-term stability in the region.