United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the 24th meeting of the heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), urging countries to work together to prevent Afghanistan from “becoming a hotbed of terrorism.”

Guterres emphasized the importance of achieving peace in Afghanistan and forming a government that includes all groups and respects human rights.

“We need peace in Afghanistan and a government that respects human rights and engages with the international community,” said Guterres.

Guterres expressed the UN’s willingness to collaborate with the SCO in fighting terrorism worldwide, recognizing the SCO as the largest regional security organization encompassing several countries, including China, India, and Russia.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, also highlighted terrorism as a significant concern during the SCO summit. He called for constructive engagement with the Taliban and emphasized the need for concrete actions to prevent Afghanistan territory from being used for terrorism against any country.

Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over the resurgence of militant groups in Afghanistan amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries.

The instability in Afghanistan not only threatens regional security but also exacerbates the suffering of the Afghan people, who are already grappling with poverty and a lack of basic necessities.

International stakeholders continue to urge concerted efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and address the root causes of extremism, ensuring that the country does not regress into a haven for terrorist activities.

The path to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan hinges on international cooperation and support for inclusive governance that respects human rights and fosters regional stability.