In a significant intervention at the United Nations, Pakistan has warned the international community that Afghanistan risks becoming a hub for global terrorism if proactive measures are not taken to stabilise the war-torn country. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, raised this alarm during a Security Council debate on Afghanistan’s security and humanitarian situation on Monday.
Key Highlights Of Pakistan’s UN Statement
- Threat Highlighted: Afghanistan could emerge as a terrorism epicentre without inclusive governance.
- Groups Mentioned: Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP), Al-Qaeda.
- Primary Concern: Cross-border terrorism threatening Pakistan’s security and regional peace.
- Call To Action: Urged UN member states to engage constructively with the Taliban to prevent the country’s descent into terror and economic chaos.
Ambassador Akram stated:
“The international community must take urgent steps to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists. Pakistan is already facing terror attacks originating from Afghan soil.”
Context: Rising Cross-Border Terrorism
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp spike in terror attacks since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021. Data from Pakistan’s security agencies indicate:
| Year | Number of Terror Attacks | Key Perpetrators | Impacted Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 319 | TTP, ISKP | KP, Balochistan |
| 2021 | 376 | TTP, ISKP | KP, Balochistan |
| 2022 | 450 | TTP resurgence post-US withdrawal | KP, Balochistan |
| 2023 | 535 | TTP, ISKP | KP, Balochistan, Punjab |
| 2024 (Jan-Jun) | 270+ | TTP, ISKP | KP, Balochistan |
(Sourced from Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies – annual terrorism reports)
Concerns Raised By Pakistan At UN
| Concern | Explanation |
|---|---|
| TTP Safe Havens In Afghanistan | The banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan operates from eastern Afghan provinces, planning attacks on Pakistan security forces. |
| ISKP Expansion | IS-Khorasan continues to target Afghan minorities and threatens regional capitals with radical recruitment. |
| Weak Counterterrorism Capacity | Taliban’s inability or unwillingness to act against transnational terror groups. |
| Economic Collapse Risk | Poverty and lack of humanitarian aid could fuel extremism recruitment. |
Ambassador Akram added:
“Sanctions and aid suspension have weakened Afghan institutions, creating fertile ground for terrorism.”
Taliban’s Stance
The Taliban government has repeatedly denied harbouring international terrorists. Spokespersons claim they do not allow Afghan soil to be used against neighbours. However, intelligence agencies globally remain sceptical, citing continued TTP and Al-Qaeda presence in Afghanistan.
Regional And Global Reactions
| Country/Organisation | Reaction |
|---|---|
| India | Expressed concerns over Afghan terror camps fuelling regional instability and potential infiltration into Jammu & Kashmir. |
| China | Urged Taliban to curb ETIM and ISKP activities threatening Xinjiang security. |
| United States | Warned that ISKP remains the “most capable ISIS affiliate globally” with aspirations for international attacks. |
| Russia | Increased security deployments in Tajikistan fearing cross-border terrorism. |
Expert Views
| Expert | Organisation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Kugelman | Wilson Center | “Pakistan’s UN alarm reflects real security fears as TTP continues lethal attacks despite Taliban mediation promises.” |
| Dr. Huma Baqai | Karachi University | “Pakistan wants UN-led international re-engagement with Afghanistan to stabilise the economy and indirectly improve security.” |
| Abdul Basit | RSIS Singapore | “Taliban’s ideological proximity to TTP limits their willingness to act decisively against them.” |
Recent Terror Incidents Linked To Afghanistan-Based Groups
- April 2024: Suicide bombing on Pakistan Army convoy in North Waziristan; 8 soldiers killed.
- May 2024: Attack on Chinese engineers in Balochistan; ISKP claimed responsibility.
- June 2024: TTP militants killed 12 police personnel in Dera Ismail Khan.
Pakistan’s military has launched multiple cross-border strikes targeting TTP hideouts, increasing tensions with the Taliban.
Security Implications For South Asia
| Threat | Potential Impact |
|—|—|—|
| Afghan terror sanctuaries | Destabilisation of Pakistan’s tribal belt, threat to CPEC projects. |
| ISKP regional expansion | Potential attacks in India, Iran, Central Asia. |
| Taliban inaction | Weakening of counterterrorism cooperation and rising refugee flows. |
UN’s Position
The UN Secretary-General’s report acknowledges:
“Terror groups continue to operate in Afghanistan with varying degrees of freedom. ISKP remains the most serious threat to regional and international security.”
The UN has called for continued humanitarian assistance and urged the Taliban to fulfil commitments on counterterrorism, women’s rights, and inclusive governance to gain international recognition.
Pakistan’s Suggested Action Plan At UN
- Constructive Engagement: Dialogue with Taliban to implement counterterrorism promises.
- Aid Resumption: Release blocked Afghan assets to stabilise the economy and reduce radicalisation.
- Regional Security Mechanism: Collaborative intelligence-sharing among Afghanistan’s neighbours.
- UN Monitoring: Enhanced UNAMA role to verify terror group activities on Afghan soil.
Future Outlook
| Scenario | Probability | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Taliban cracks down on TTP and ISKP | Low-medium | Partial reduction in attacks but risk of internal Taliban rifts. |
| Continued status quo with sporadic border strikes | High | Persistent Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, rising regional instability. |
| UN-led regional security framework | Medium | May improve monitoring but depends on Taliban cooperation. |
Social Media Reactions
- “Pakistan funded these groups for decades; now it complains at UN.”
- “If Afghanistan becomes a terror hub again, the entire region will pay the price.”
- “UN must act before it’s too late. Another global terror base will be catastrophic.”
Conclusion
Pakistan’s urgent warning at the UN highlights the growing threat posed by terror groups operating from Afghan territory, with implications not just for South Asia but global security. Whether international re-engagement and Taliban policy shifts can reverse this trajectory remains an open question, as geopolitical rivalries and internal Afghan dynamics continue to complicate counterterrorism efforts.
Disclaimer
This news article is prepared for general geopolitical and security news dissemination based on official UN statements, Pakistan’s Security Council briefing, and independent expert analyses. Readers are advised to consult government releases, strategic intelligence assessments, and certified geopolitical experts before deriving conclusions or framing diplomatic, security, operational, or policy decisions related to Afghanistan and regional counterterrorism strategies.
