The United Nations: Pakistan has called on Afghanistan's Taliban authorities to take "verifiable and non-reversible action" against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory. This demand was made by Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, during a UN Security Council debate on Monday. He also accused India of backing terrorists and using Afghanistan to destabilize Pakistan.
Pakistan's Support for Afghanistan
Ambassador Ahmad stated that Pakistan has consistently supported Afghanistan through humanitarian relief, political engagement, and efforts to strengthen bilateral trade. He highlighted that Islamabad had taken "numerous steps to support Afghanistan, including humanitarian relief efforts, political engagement, and providing incentives to boost bilateral trade."
Expectations from the Taliban
The envoy noted that after the end of the civil war, it was expected that the Taliban would evolve into a responsible governing authority. "It was anticipated that the Taliban would take positive steps to transform into a responsible governing authority by adhering to their international obligations and commitments," he said.
Terrorism Remains a Major Issue
However, Ambassador Ahmad warned that terrorism remains deeply entrenched in Afghanistan, with implications extending beyond its borders. "For decades, terrorism has been a major problem in Afghanistan, with implications not just for Afghanistan, but the immediate neighbourhood and beyond," he said. He accused the Taliban of reverting to earlier practices, stating, "It is deplorable that the Taliban have reverted to their old tactics of providing safe havens to terrorist groups and chosen the perilous path of complicity."
Allegations Against an External Actor
The Pakistani envoy also alleged the involvement of an external actor, describing it as a "historic spoiler and instigator of chaos that has moved fast as an opportunist to wage a proxy war against Pakistan." He made clear Islamabad's position: "Pakistan will defend itself against whosoever attempts to harm our sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security."
Reply to India
In a sharp right of reply, Pakistan addressed remarks made during the Council debate. Responding to India's statement, Ambassador Ahmad said it was not unexpected, describing it as a "long list of so-called development and humanitarian activities" that ultimately became "a long prologue to target Pakistan." He said India's approach in Afghanistan was driven by a single objective: "destabilising Pakistan." He accused New Delhi of supporting terrorist groups operating against Pakistan, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which he referred to as "Fitna al Hindustan." He claimed that the BLA "acts as a proxy of India to perpetrate terrorism inside Pakistan" and alleged it was "supported and financed by India."
