Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, has cautioned that the confirmed presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants inside Afghanistan poses a serious threat to Pakistan’s security and regional stability. Addressing the UN, he said that an estimated 6,000 TTP fighters are currently based in Afghanistan, and warned that if the Afghan authorities fail to act against them, Pakistan will be compelled to take measures necessary for its own protection.
Ambassador Iftikhar said Afghanistan has once again become a shelter for terrorist groups and their proxy elements whose activities are undermining regional peace. He noted that Pakistan has gathered concrete evidence of terrorist networks operating from Afghan soil, including collaboration between various militant groups directed against Pakistan. He added that Afghan-based terrorist elements have attempted multiple cross-border infiltrations, all of which were successfully repelled by Pakistan’s security forces through immense sacrifice.
He highlighted that Pakistan’s armed forces and civilians continue to pay a heavy price in the fight against terrorism, serving as a frontline for regional and international security. Referring to recent independent assessments, he said that a United Nations team has also verified the presence of TTP militants inside Afghanistan, reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding concerns.
Ambassador Iftikhar warned that the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan is producing “devastating consequences” for the region. He stressed that the war in Afghanistan has concluded, and the large population of Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan must begin returning to their homeland, as Pakistan has long shouldered the humanitarian and security burden.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan seeks a peaceful and stable Afghanistan but will not compromise on its national security. If the Afghan interim authorities do not take decisive action against TTP militants, Pakistan reserves the right to implement protective measures.
The ambassador urged the international community to recognise the gravity of the threat and to support genuine counterterrorism efforts. He also called on the Afghan authorities to honour their commitments and ensure that Afghan territory is not used for terrorism against any neighbouring state
