Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take decisive action against terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan. At a UNSC briefing on global terrorism, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Munir Akram, expressed serious concerns over the growing threat of ISIL-K and other terrorist factions.
Terror Groups Using Afghan Soil as Safe Haven
Speaking at the biannual UNSC session, Ambassador Akram highlighted that Afghanistan has become a hub for extremist groups. He named ISIL-K, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Majeed Brigade as major threats to Pakistan and the region. Despite international efforts to combat terrorism, these groups continue to operate freely from Afghan territory.
He rejected claims that Pakistan serves as a recruitment ground for ISIL-K. “We are fighting Daesh, we are fighting the TTP, and we are fighting the Majeed Brigade,” he stated firmly.
Pakistan’s Sacrifices in the Fight Against Terrorism
Ambassador Akram reminded the UNSC of Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism. He noted that Pakistan has lost 80,000 lives and suffered severe economic damage due to terrorist activities.
He emphasized that Pakistan played a key role in dismantling Al-Qaeda’s core network in Afghanistan. However, he warned that several Al-Qaeda offshoots have emerged in other regions, particularly in Africa.
UN Reports Confirm ISIL-K’s Presence in Afghanistan
Citing reports from the UN Secretary-General and the 1267 ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Akram pointed out that ISIL-K’s recruitment and operations are centered in Afghanistan. He expressed disappointment that the threat posed by the TTP and Majeed Brigade has not been fully acknowledged by the international community.
“The threat to Pakistan is real, and it extends beyond our borders,” he said. “Ignoring this danger will only allow it to grow and destabilize the entire region.”
Call for a Comprehensive Counterterrorism Strategy
Ambassador Akram urged the UNSC to adopt a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy. He stressed that military action alone will not eliminate extremism. Addressing the root causes of radicalization, such as poverty, injustice, and unresolved conflicts, is equally important.
He pointed to Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir as examples of prolonged conflicts fueling extremism. He urged world powers to resolve these disputes to prevent further radicalization.
A Growing Regional and Global Threat
Pakistan’s envoy warned that ISIL-K and its affiliates are not just a threat to Pakistan. Their growing influence poses a danger to the entire region and beyond. He called for stronger international cooperation to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for global terrorism.
The UNSC briefing comes at a time when terrorism is resurging in several parts of the world. Pakistan’s appeal highlights the urgent need for decisive action to counter the growing threat from Afghanistan-based terrorist groups.
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