Pakistan vows response to Afghan-based terrorism in self-defence 'as and when needed'
Says Afghanistan has once again become safe haven for terrorist groups operating with impunity from its soil
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has stated that Islamabad will respond "in self-defence" to terrorism originating from Afghanistan "as and when needed," during a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday. He assured that Pakistan would not remain passive in the face of this terrorist threat, emphasizing that the country has made continuous efforts to alleviate the suffering of Afghans, despite reservations about certain Taliban policies.
Ahmad outlined Pakistan's concern over the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, citing human rights violations, political exclusion, economic pressures, and the rising terrorist threat from Afghanistan. He reiterated that these issues constitute a "grave concern for the international community." Ahmad also highlighted the presence of numerous terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan, including those with ties to Pakistan-based groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
He warned that Afghanistan has once again become a safe haven for these groups, and that over 4,700 innocent Pakistanis have lost their lives to terrorism originating from Afghanistan in the past three years. He called on the Taliban to take "concrete and verifiable actions" against these terrorist groups, expressing disappointment in their failure to do so.
Ahmad further criticized the Taliban for not publicly denouncing and condemning these groups, implying their complicity and support for them. On the human rights front, Ahmad highlighted the Taliban's failure to meet their international obligations, particularly in denying fundamental freedoms and basic dignity to women and girls.
He emphasized Pakistan's efforts to facilitate vulnerable Afghans, urging the international community to contribute more. He stressed the importance of the UN-led Doha Process and the Mosaic approach in addressing Afghanistan's multifaceted challenges comprehensively.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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