Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Pakistan has warned the United Nations Security Council that militant groups operating from Afghanistan continue to pose a serious regional security threat, urging stronger international action against cross-border terrorism.
Speaking during a Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security from terrorism, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said terrorist organisations have expanded their presence in Afghanistan since 2021 and called for greater accountability over commitments to prevent Afghanistan territory from being used for attacks against other countries.
Iftikhar alleged that groups including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and al-Qaeda continue to operate from Afghanistan.
He claimed these groups use Afghanistan territory for recruitment, training and planning attacks, and said some militant organisations receive external support. Pakistan has previously accused India of supporting anti-Pakistan militant groups, a claim New Delhi has repeatedly rejected.
The Pakistani envoy said the latest UN monitoring report showed that although international counterterrorism operations have weakened some extremist networks, terrorist groups continue to adapt and expand across Afghanistan, Africa and the Middle East.
He called for stronger international cooperation, including improved border security, intelligence sharing and law enforcement coordination to address the threat of cross-border militancy.
Iftikhar also warned that extremist groups are increasingly using emerging technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence, encrypted communication platforms and digital financial systems, to improve recruitment, propaganda and operational capabilities.
Pakistan’s comments came during a Security Council session where other major powers also expressed concerns over terrorism threats linked to Afghanistan.
U.S. Deputy Representative to the UN Tammy Bruce said ISIS-K continues to exploit instability in Afghanistan and remains a significant regional security concern. She warned that extremist organisations are becoming more sophisticated through the use of advanced technologies and said counterterrorism cooperation remains a priority for Washington.
China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Sun Lei also raised concerns over militant groups operating in Afghanistan, urging stronger action against terrorist organisations and greater regional cooperation to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for international terrorism.
The UN Secretary-General’s latest strategic assessment similarly warned that ISIS-K has maintained the ability to conduct external attacks and is rebuilding its capacity for high-profile operations despite sustained pressure.
Kabul has rejected allegations that foreign terrorist groups operate from Afghanistan territory, saying Afghanistan does not pose a threat to other countries and claiming that ISIS-K has been significantly weakened.
However, ISIS-K has continued to claim responsibility for attacks inside Afghanistan, including the recent killing of a Taliban official in Badakhshan province, keeping international concerns over the group’s operational capability alive.