Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations has warned that terrorism emanating from Afghanistan represents the “most serious threat” to Afghanistan itself, the broader region, and the world at large.
Speaking at a UN Security Council session on Wednesday, Munir Akram’s deputy, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, stated that groups such as ISIS-Khorasan, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) are all active in Afghanistan and increasingly collaborating with one another.
“These groups share resources, intelligence, and even physical space to conduct operations against Pakistan,” Ahmad said.
He described TTP—with around 6,000 fighters—as the largest terrorist group currently operating from within Afghanistan, posing a direct threat to Pakistan’s national security through its stronghold near the border.
Ahmad also noted that ISIS-K, with roughly 2,000 members in Afghanistan, remains a serious danger.
According to the Pakistani envoy, TTP and BLA have established bases in areas outside of Taliban control. While the Taliban has taken some steps against ISIS, Ahmad said there has been little to no effort to contain TTP or BLA.
He also cited “concrete evidence” of cooperation between TTP and BLA, including the sharing of training camps.
Highlighting the human and economic costs inflicted on Pakistan, Ahmad concluded by emphasizing his country’s “unparalleled sacrifices” and unwavering commitment to eradicating these groups.
