Pakistan has called upon the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to acknowledge the support provided by the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, informed the council that Islamabad possesses “clear evidence” demonstrating the Taliban regime’s backing of the TTP, which continues to conduct cross-border attacks from its sanctuaries within Afghanistan. “All weapons used in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan originate from Afghanistan. Despite repeatedly raising concerns with the Afghan Taliban, there has been no meaningful response or improvement in the situation,” stated Mr. Akram. The Pakistani envoy conveyed that the TTP, comprising an estimated 6,000 fighters, has evolved into an umbrella organization for various militant groups operating in Afghanistan. He noted that organizations such as Al-Qaeda, the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and the Majeed Brigade continue to operate under the TTP’s patronage, posing a direct threat to Pakistan and regional stability. ‘Afghan Authorities Sponsoring Attacks’
Mr. Akram criticized the Taliban administration for failing to curb terrorism, emphasizing that Pakistan has endured significant human and economic losses due to attacks orchestrated from across the border. “Hundreds of Pakistanis have lost their lives in terrorist attacks carried out by the TTP, while groups such as the BLA and Majeed Brigade continue to target Pakistan’s security and economic interests, including China’s investments in the country,” he said. The ambassador also expressed concern over the absence of terrorism-related issues in the UN Secretary-General’s latest report on Afghanistan, despite the presence of over 20 terrorist organizations in the country. He urged the UN to take immediate action, warning that the TTP could emerge as an alternative to Al-Qaeda with a global jihadist agenda. Regional Response
In response to these concerns, Pakistan is set to initiate consultations within the UN to formulate a strategy to counter terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Mr. Akram stated that under the Doha Process, a counter-terrorism working group would be established to ensure more effective measures against terrorist elements in the region. Pakistan’s warning to the Security Council follows previous statements from Islamabad, emphasizing that Afghanistan’s failure to act against the TTP is endangering regional security. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier urged the Afghan government to adopt a decisive approach against the banned outfit, stating that a “two-pronged strategy will not work.”
