ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday reiterated its support for UNAMA in promoting efforts for peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan, while raising alarm over the rise in the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan affecting its immediate neighbors, said a statement by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN.
Addressing a session on the adoption of a resolution for the mandate renewal of UNAMA, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, commended China for its “leadership role” as penholder and for skillfully forging consensus, leading to the unanimous adoption of a resolution today that extends UNAMA’s mandate by one year.
“Pakistan reiterates its support for UNAMA in promoting efforts for peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan, a country that continues to be confronted with multifaceted challenges,” said the statement.
It added that Islamabad has consistently underlined that “one of the most serious challenges in Afghanistan” is the alarming rise in the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan that is directly affecting its immediate neighbours, particularly Pakistan.
The statement said that the resolution expresses the Council’s “serious concern” over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which continue to constitute a “threat to international peace and security.”
It said that elements “within the Taliban” are actively collaborating with several terrorist groups and providing them with safe havens.
“The TTP, BLA and Majid Brigade, ISIL-K, Al-Qaida and ETIM operate with impunity inside Afghanistan. Many of these terrorist groups are responsible for cross-border terrorist attacks targeting Pakistani civilians and law enforcement personnel, as well as critical infrastructure and public places,” said the statement.
‘Internally displaced persons’
The ambassador stated that, as mandated by the resolution, UNAMA “must support efforts” to create conditions in Afghanistan that are “conducive to the integration and reintegration” of internally displaced persons and refugees.
“UNAMA is entrusted with the responsibility of promoting Afghanistan’s compliance with all its international obligations and commitments, which include three key priorities, namely counter-terrorism, human rights, and inclusive governance,” added the statement.
The ambassador urged that UNAMA “must support efforts” to prevent and address the illicit trade in, and destabilizing accumulation of, small arms and light weapons and their diversion in Afghanistan and the region.
“We expect UNAMA to report objectively by providing concrete analysis on the political and security dynamics, socio-economic developments, including the illicit economy, and provide assessments on the risks of aid diversion, especially where cash transfers are involved.”
“Mere mention of events and developments without context does not serve a useful purpose,” it added.
It urged that UNAMA’s reporting must be evidence-based, particularly when it relates to areas where terrorist groups have sanctuaries and access is difficult for UN personnel, according to the statement.
“We must remain cautious of the role of spoilers who seek to undermine peace in the region and who peddle information that also plays into the Taliban’s propaganda,” it said.
He said that UNAMA must be “fair and balanced” in its reporting and take into account the “legitimate security concerns” of Afghanistan’s immediate neighbours, who are faced with serious threats from Afghan soil.
He “sincerely” hoped that UNAMA will play a “constructive role” towards meeting the long-term goals of peace, stability, and development in Afghanistan, a country that is at peace with itself and its neighbours, the statement concluded.
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