UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has stated that Pakistan cannot remain a silent spectator in the face of terrorist attacks originating from across its borders and reserves the right to respond in self-defense whenever necessary to protect its citizens and national security.
Speaking during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, the Pakistani envoy expressed serious concerns over the continued presence of terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory and their alleged involvement in attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan Reserves Right to Self-Defense
Addressing members of the Security Council, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its people.
He stated that when faced with threats to national security, Pakistan would act under its internationally recognized right of self-defense.
“Pakistan cannot remain a silent observer of terrorist attacks,” he said, adding that the country would respond whenever and wherever necessary to safeguard its citizens and prevent further violence.
The remarks come at a time when Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns about cross-border militancy and the activities of armed groups allegedly operating from Afghanistan.
Allegations Against India
During his address, the Pakistani envoy also accused India of using Afghanistan as a platform to undermine Pakistan’s stability.
According to Asim Iftikhar, India has allegedly been supporting anti-Pakistan militant organizations under the cover of assistance and development activities in Afghanistan.
He claimed that New Delhi is using banned groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as proxy actors to destabilize Pakistan.
The ambassador alleged that these groups continue to launch terrorist attacks inside Pakistan while operating from Afghan territory.
India has consistently rejected similar accusations in the past, maintaining that it supports peace, development, and stability in Afghanistan and does not interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
Terrorism Remains Afghanistan’s Major Challenge
Highlighting the broader security situation, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said terrorism has remained one of Afghanistan’s most serious and enduring problems for decades.
He noted that the consequences of instability in Afghanistan have not been limited to its borders but have affected neighboring countries and the wider region as well.
According to the Pakistani representative, the persistence of extremist organizations in Afghanistan continues to pose risks to regional peace and security.
He stressed that sustainable stability in Afghanistan is impossible without addressing the threat posed by terrorist networks operating within the country.
Afghan Territory Used as Safe Haven
The envoy told the Security Council that Afghan territory has historically been used as a safe haven by various terrorist organizations.
He argued that some of these groups have been exploited by hostile actors to carry out attacks against Pakistan and other countries in the region.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern that militants are able to find shelter, training facilities, and operational space inside Afghanistan, allowing them to plan and execute attacks across borders.
Islamabad has frequently called on Afghan authorities to take stronger measures against such groups and prevent Afghan soil from being used for activities that threaten neighboring states.
Criticism of Taliban’s Counterterrorism Efforts
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar also addressed the role of Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration in tackling extremist organizations.
He said there had been expectations within the international community that the Taliban would take effective action against terrorist groups operating inside Afghanistan following their return to power in 2021.
However, he argued that those expectations have not been met.
“Unfortunately, the Taliban have failed to take adequate action against terrorist organizations active in Afghanistan,” he said.
According to the Pakistani envoy, the Taliban authorities have not sufficiently addressed Pakistan’s security concerns or those of other countries affected by cross-border militancy.
Call for Greater International Attention
The ambassador urged the international community to recognize the seriousness of the terrorism threat emanating from Afghanistan and to work collectively toward ensuring that Afghan territory is not used for attacks against other states.
He emphasized that counterterrorism efforts must remain a priority in discussions regarding Afghanistan’s future and regional stability.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that peace and development in Afghanistan are in the interest of the entire region. However, Islamabad argues that lasting peace can only be achieved if terrorist organizations are prevented from using Afghan territory as a base for operations.
The Security Council meeting provided another platform for Pakistan to reiterate its concerns regarding cross-border terrorism, regional security, and the need for stronger action against militant groups that continue to threaten stability in South and Central Asia.
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