ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said Thursday that a recent United Nations sanctions committee report supports its longstanding position that militant groups operating from Afghanistan continue to pose a serious security threat to Pakistan and the wider region.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing, the Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee report highlighted the continued presence and activities of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda, and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) in Afghanistan.
“The report extensively supports Pakistan’s narrative regarding terrorist threats,” the spokesperson told a weekly media briefing.
The spokesperson said the report indicated that Afghanistan’s interim authorities had provided a “permissive environment” for militant groups, particularly TTP.
According to the report, TTP has gained greater operational freedom and support, enabling it to launch attacks inside Pakistan, he said.
The spokesperson added that Al-Qaeda continues to function as a “multiplier and service provider” to militant organizations by offering training and operational guidance, especially to TTP.
He said the report pointed to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) remaining active in southeastern Afghanistan, while ISKP has maintained a presence in the northern parts of the country.
The spokesperson said concerns were raised by several UN member states regarding increased cooperation among militant groups, including alleged collaboration between TTP, ISKP, and Baloch militant factions through shared training facilities and coordinated attacks.
“Pakistan is the main target of TTP attacks, and the report validates Pakistan as a victim of terrorism originating from Afghanistan,” he said, adding Islamabad would continue engaging with the UN, Security Council members, and international partners on the issue.
Responding to a question about a recent Islamabad bombing allegedly linked to ISKP, the spokesperson said Pakistan was coordinating with international partners and utilizing diplomatic channels to address the threat.
He added that Pakistan maintained diplomatic contact with Afghan authorities through embassies but emphasized that counter-terrorism concerns were being raised at multiple international forums.
The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan reserved the right to defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter and said security forces remained vigilant against cross-border militant threats.
He added that the instability in Afghanistan had affected Pakistan’s broader regional connectivity ambitions with Central Asia. However, he added that improved governance and stronger action against militant groups in Afghanistan would benefit regional stability and economic cooperation.
