'Afghanistan becoming ISIL-K's hub'

At a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on global terrorism threats, Pakistan's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Munir Akram, voiced serious concerns over the use of Afghan soil by terrorist groups targeting Pakistan and the wider region.

Speaking at the biannual UNSC session, based on the UN Secretary-General's reports on threats posed by ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida, and their affiliates, Ambassador Akram highlighted that despite international counterterrorism efforts, groups such as the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Daesh (ISIL-K), and the Majeed Brigade continue to operate from safe havens in Afghanistan.

Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to eradicating terrorism, Ambassador Akram stated, "Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. For more than four decades, we have remained at the forefront of global counterterrorism efforts and been a principal target of terrorist attacks, financed by our adversaries in the region".

He highlighted Pakistan's sacrifices, noting that the country has lost 80,000 lives and suffered enormous economic damage due to terrorist activities.

He also reminded the council that "Al-Qaeda 'Core' was decimated in Afghanistan, largely due to Pakistan's efforts," but warned that several of its offshoots had emerged elsewhere, including in Africa.

Citing reports from the UN Secretary-General and the 1267 ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Akram stressed that "Afghanistan is the main hub for ISIL-K's recruitment and facilitation.".

He firmly rejected any suggestion that Pakistan is a recruitment ground for Daesh, asserting, "We are fighting Daesh, we are fighting the TTP, and we are fighting the Majeed Brigade, and we will continue to do so with determination".

He expressed disappointment that while the discussion at the Council acknowledged the Daesh threat, "the threat posed to Pakistan by the TTP and the Majeed Brigade has not been mentioned by our colleagues around the table".

He urged the council to take these threats seriously, emphasising that these groups are not just a danger to Pakistan but to the entire region and beyond.

Ambassador Akram stressed that counterterrorism strategies must address the root causes of extremism, which include "poverty, injustice, prolonged unresolved conflicts, foreign occupation, and denial of the right to self-determination".

He pointed specifically to "the occupied territories of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir" as examples where unresolved conflicts continue to fuel radicalisation.