The increasing presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan has emerged as a serious threat to the security of neighboring countries and the broader region, Pakistan’s officials have emphasized. In a recent virtual consultation, Mohammad Sadiq Khan, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, engaged in detailed discussions with his Uzbek counterpart on the current security situation in Afghanistan and the rising threat of terrorism emanating from the country.
During the consultations, Mohammad Sadiq highlighted that the hosting of terrorist groups under the Afghan Taliban’s authority has become a major challenge. He emphasized that the unchecked presence of these groups in Afghanistan not only destabilizes the country itself but also threatens peace and stability across the entire region.
Notably, he informed his Uzbek counterpart that the number of Uzbek militants operating within Afghanistan exceeds 2,500, making them the second-largest active terrorist group in the region after the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Their operations, he warned, continue to pose a significant danger to regional security and the lives of civilians.
Mohammad Sadiq underlined Pakistan’s commitment to engaging with regional partners to address these threats collaboratively. He stressed that coordinated diplomatic and security efforts are essential to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a safe haven for terrorist activities that could destabilize neighboring countries.
Pakistan reaffirmed that its focus remains on countering terrorism, preventing cross-border attacks, and promoting a stable and peaceful Afghanistan as a cornerstone of regional security.
