Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Munir Akram, raised serious concerns at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) over the escalating terrorist threat from Afghanistan.

He emphasized that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by Pakistan as Fitna al-Khawarij, is rapidly expanding its presence with the backing of Afghanistan’s interim government. Addressing the UNSC, Ambassador Akram highlighted that the TTP has become the largest terrorist group in Afghanistan, regularly launching cross-border attacks into Pakistan.

Supported by the Taliban, these militants are armed with advanced weaponry and are increasingly cooperating with other insurgent groups, including secessionist factions like the Majeed Brigade. Pakistan fears that the TTP’s growing ties with Al-Qaeda could soon position it as a central player in both regional and global terrorism.

Ambassador Akram expressed grave concern over the rising violence against Pakistan’s security forces, warning of the potential destabilization the TTP’s actions could bring to the broader region. He also underscored Pakistan’s willingness to collaborate with regional and international bodies to combat this growing threat, as the country continues its internal crackdown on Fitna al-Khawarij.

In addition, the ambassador criticized Afghanistan’s interim government for its ongoing human rights abuses, particularly those against women and girls. He condemned Kabul’s failure to fulfill its promises regarding gender equality, noting that these regressive policies not only contradict Islamic values but also hinder Afghanistan’s international engagement.

Ambassador Akram also called attention to the severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where 23.7 million people are in urgent need of assistance. He urged the international community to fully fund the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and address the liquidity crisis crippling the Afghan economy.

Pakistan remains committed to strengthening trade and economic ties with Afghanistan, advocating for regional infrastructure projects as a means of fostering stability. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, echoed Pakistan’s concerns, urging the Taliban to prevent cross-border terrorist attacks and stressing that Afghanistan must not become a safe haven for militant groups.

A recent UN report supported Pakistan’s claims, revealing that the TTP enjoys increasing support from the Taliban and operates with an estimated force of 6,000 to 6,500 fighters in Afghanistan. The report noted that, despite international pressure, the Taliban has failed to contain the TTP, further complicating the region’s security situation.

Earlier this year, Ambassador Akram called for decisive action against terrorism at a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan held in Doha, Qatar. He emphasized the dangers of allowing terrorist groups to operate with impunity in Afghanistan. While progress has been made by the Afghan interim government in combating Daesh (ISKP), several other terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda and the TTP, continue to function freely.

Ambassador Akram stressed that socio-economic development in Afghanistan cannot be achieved as long as these groups remain active, stating, “The elimination of terrorism within and from Afghanistan remains the highest priority for the international community, Afghanistan’s neighbors, and Afghanistan itself.”

He 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 noted that Afghanistan has yet to take significant measures.