Kashmiris Face Repression Amidst Regional Terrorism Concerns: Asim

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, highlighted ongoing challenges related to terrorism and regional instability during a UN Security Council briefing on threats to international peace. He emphasized the persistent presence of multiple terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which continue to operate in an environment that facilitates their activities.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ambassador Ahmad pointed out that terrorist organizations, including the TTP, BLA and its Majeed Brigade, ISIL-K, and Al Qaeda affiliates, find safe havens within Afghanistan. He called for a decisive approach to counter the escalating terrorist threat originating from Afghan territories.

The ambassador stressed the necessity for the Taliban to fulfill their responsibility of ensuring Afghan soil is not exploited by terrorist entities to target other nations, particularly Pakistan. He underlined the importance of holding the Taliban accountable for their commitments.

Addressing the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Ahmad remarked on the seventh anniversary of Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir. He reflected on the severe repression faced by Kashmiris following the unlawful measures implemented by India, marking seven decades of unresolved grievances and denied rights to self-determination.

Ahmad condemned the presence of a 900,000-strong Indian occupation force, attributing significant suffering to their actions, which he described as a severe form of state terrorism. He called for zero tolerance towards such acts of state-perpetrated terrorism in IIOJK and other occupied regions.

Emphasizing the need for international intervention, Ambassador Ahmad urged the global community to ensure that counter-terrorism efforts are not misused to undermine legitimate struggles for self-determination and freedom from foreign occupation.