Pakistan pushes UN for action as TTP terror attacks escalate from Afghan soil

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Munir Akram, raised alarms at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the increasing terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan.

He emphasised that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan refers to as Fitna al-Khawarij, is rapidly expanding its influence with the support of the Afghan interim government.

Addressing the UNSC, Munir Akram outlined that the TTP has become the largest terrorist group in Afghanistan, routinely conducting cross-border attacks into Pakistan.

Backed by the Taliban, these militants are equipped with advanced weaponry and increasingly collaborate with other insurgent factions, including secessionist groups like the Majeed Brigade.

Pakistan fears that the TTP's growing alliance with Al-Qaeda could soon elevate it to a central role in regional and global terrorist activities.

He highlighted the alarming surge in violence targeting Pakistan’s security forces and warned of the destabilisation that the TTP's operations could bring to the broader region.

The ambassador also stressed Pakistan’s readiness to collaborate with regional and international bodies to curb this growing menace, as Islamabad continues its nationwide crackdown on Fitna al-Khawarij.

Furthermore, the ambassador criticised the Afghan interim government for its ongoing human rights abuses, particularly against women and girls.

He condemned Kabul's failure to uphold promises regarding gender equality, highlighting that these regressive policies not only contravene Islamic values but also hinder Afghanistan’s potential for international engagement.

Munir Akram also drew attention to the severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, with 23.7 million people requiring urgent assistance.

He urged the international community to fully fund the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and address the liquidity crisis that has paralysed the Afghan economy.

Pakistan remains committed to expanding trade and economic ties with Afghanistan, advocating for regional infrastructure projects to foster stability.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, echoed Pakistan's concerns, calling on the Taliban to prevent cross-border terrorist attacks and stressing that Afghanistan must not become a haven for militant organisations.

A recent UN report corroborated Pakistan's claims, revealing that the TTP enjoys growing support from the Taliban and continues to operate with an estimated force of 6,000-6,500 fighters in Afghanistan.

The report noted that the Taliban, despite international pressure, have failed to rein in the TTP, further complicating the security situation in the region.

Earlier this year, Munir Akram called for decisive action against terrorism in the region while speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

Adressing the event held in Qatar's Doha, Ambassador Akram highlighted the dangers of allowing impunity for terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

He noted that despite progress by the Afghan Interim Government in combating Daesh (ISKP), several other terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), continue to operate freely.

He stressed that socio-economic development in Afghanistan cannot be achieved as long as these groups remain active.

"The elimination of terrorism within and from Afghanistan remains the highest priority for the international community, Afghanistan's neighbours, and Afghanistan itself," stated Ambassador Akram.

Munir Akram described the TTP as the most direct and serious threat to Pakistan, detailing the group's activities, which have resulted in hundreds of civilian and military casualties.

Despite Pakistan's repeated calls for action against the TTP, he pointed out that no significant measures have been taken by Afghanistan.