ISLAMABAD:
In a major diplomatic victory for Pakistan, China, Russia, and Iran have acknowledged that several terrorist groups, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Majid Brigade, and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), are operating from Afghanistan, posing a serious threat to neighboring countries.

This confirmation came during a quadrilateral meeting held in New York on September 27, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif attended on behalf of Pakistan, while China, Russia, and Iran were represented by their Foreign Ministers.

A joint statement issued on Sunday refuted claims made by the Afghan Taliban that no terrorist groups, including the TTP, were being harbored in Afghanistan. Contrary to these assertions, the statement expressed grave concerns over the presence of multiple terrorist groups within the country.

“The Ministers expressed deep concern over the security situation related to terrorism in Afghanistan, noting that terrorist groups such as ISIL, Al-Qaida, the Eastern Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jaish ul-Adl, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Majid Brigade, and others based in Afghanistan, continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security,” the statement read.

The Ministers also condemned recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and the region, including the ISIL-K attack on Karbala pilgrims on September 13, 2024, and the TTP-led attacks in Bannu and Besham, Pakistan, earlier this year.

Emphasizing the urgent need for counter-terrorism cooperation, the four nations stressed the importance of Afghanistan addressing both the root causes and symptoms of terrorism. They called for bilateral and multilateral cooperation to eradicate terrorist groups in the region.

The joint statement acknowledged efforts by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to combat ISIL-Khorasan but urged them to take verifiable actions in fulfilling international obligations, dismantling all terrorist groups without discrimination, and preventing Afghan territory from being used against its neighbors.

The four countries reiterated their support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. They also stressed the right of the Afghan people to determine their future independently and the importance of a stable, inclusive government representing all segments of Afghan society.

The Ministers also applauded the Afghan authorities’ efforts to curb opium cultivation and called for international cooperation to tackle the growing production of synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine. They urged action against transnational drug trafficking networks and called for support in promoting alternative crops and agricultural development to fight drug abuse.

On the humanitarian front, the Ministers encouraged the creation of conditions that would facilitate the return of Afghan refugees and stressed the importance of international financial support for repatriation efforts. They commended Iran and Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees and called on the global community to assist these countries in their ongoing efforts.

The joint statement highlighted the need for continued economic engagement with Afghanistan to improve the dire situation of its people. It also emphasized that women’s and girls’ access to education, economic opportunities, and basic services are crucial for the peace and stability of the country.

The Ministers pointed to NATO’s responsibility for Afghanistan’s current state and urged NATO members to lift sanctions, return Afghanistan’s frozen assets, and create opportunities for the country’s economic recovery and future prosperity.

Finally, the Ministers encouraged Afghanistan to maintain a cooperative foreign policy and adhere to international treaties. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional peace and stability, countering terrorism, and supporting Afghanistan’s journey toward becoming an independent, peaceful state that respects human rights.