Pakistan has categorically rejected the remarks made by the representative of India concerning the security situation in Afghanistan, and has drawn the international community’s attention to what it described as India’s alleged provision of material and logistical support to terrorist groups operating against Pakistan from Afghan territory.
Responding to the remarks by the Indian representative, Mr. Muhammad Jawad Ajmal, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Pakistan, stated that India was using the pretext of humanitarian assistance to extend material and logistical support to the Taliban authorities and to facilitate terrorist attacks against Pakistan.
Mr. Ajmal underscored that Pakistan remains deeply concerned over the alleged use of Afghan territory by terrorist elements targeting Pakistan, and emphasized that the international community must take note of the broader security implications of external support to militant networks operating in the region.
He further alleged that India, through what Pakistan characterizes as active support to its proxies based in Afghanistan, has been providing assistance and patronage to terrorist groups, including Fitna al-Khawarij (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan — TTP) and Fitna al-Hindustan (Balochistan Liberation Army — BLA). According to the Pakistani representative, such activities constitute a serious threat to Pakistan’s national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to regional peace and stability.
Mr. Ajmal stressed that Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns regarding terrorist organizations operating from Afghanistan and the threats posed by their activities to the Pakistani people. He called for a clear distinction between legitimate humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and any alleged provision of support that could contribute to terrorism, militancy or destabilizing activities against neighboring states.
He also drew attention to what he described as India’s record of involvement in extraterritorial killings and targeted assassinations abroad, asserting that the international community is increasingly aware of allegations concerning India’s role in such activities. Pakistan, he maintained, has consistently called for adherence to international law, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and accountability for acts that threaten international peace and security.
The Pakistani diplomat emphasized that the issue should not be viewed solely through the prism of bilateral differences. Rather, he argued, the alleged use of proxies, cross-border terrorism and covert support to militant organizations pose wider challenges to regional stability and international efforts to combat terrorism.
Mr. Ajmal reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that Pakistan would continue to take all necessary measures, consistent with international law, to protect its citizens and safeguard its national interests. “Pakistan will defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, its people and its security,” Mr. Ajmal stated, underscoring Pakistan’s resolve to respond to threats to its national security.
Pakistan also reiterated that the international community has a collective responsibility to ensure that the territory of any state is not used for terrorist activities against another state. Islamabad called for greater transparency, accountability and effective international cooperation in addressing the financing, facilitation, training and logistical support of terrorist organizations.
The Pakistani representative further emphasized that humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan must remain genuinely humanitarian in character and should not be exploited, directly or indirectly, to facilitate activities that threaten the security of neighboring countries. Pakistan supports humanitarian assistance aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Afghan people, while maintaining that such assistance must be consistent with the principles of international law and must not become a vehicle for activities detrimental to regional peace and security.
Pakistan remains committed to peaceful relations with all countries of the region and to the objective of a stable, peaceful and prosperous South Asia. At the same time, Pakistan will continue to safeguard its national security and defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against threats emanating from terrorist groups or any external support extended to them.
