Pakistan Urges Afghanistan to Fulfill Counterterrorism Obligations

Islamabad: At the UN Security Council Pakistan has urged the Afghan Interim Government to fulfill its international obligations on counterterrorism. Speaking at the Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, highlighted that terrorism emanating from Afghanistan remains the gravest threat to Pakistan’s national security.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ahmed emphasized that terrorist entities including ISIL-K, Al-Qaeda, TTP, ETIM, BLA, and Majid Brigade operate from Afghan sanctuaries, with more than sixty terrorist camps serving as hubs for enabling cross-border infiltration and attacks. He mentioned that Pakistan and China have jointly submitted to the 1267 Sanctions Committee a request to designate BLA and Majeed Group, expressing hope that the Council will act swiftly on this listing to curb terrorist activities.

Further, Asim Iftikhar stated that despite security concerns, Pakistan has engaged the Afghan Interim Government at high levels to enhance cooperation in security, trade, counter-narcotics efforts, and regional connectivity initiatives. He remarked that Pakistan has consistently advocated sustained engagement with Afghanistan and was the first to propose a roadmap for normalization.