Pakistan’s representative at the United Nations warns that Islamabad will exercise its right to self-defence against security threats originating from Afghan territory.
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: Pakistan has urged Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities to take decisive action against terrorist groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory, warning that Islamabad will exercise its right to self-defence whenever necessary to protect its citizens and national security.
The demand was raised by Counsellor Muhammad Jawad Ajmal of Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations during an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee.
According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission, Ajmal expressed serious concern over the presence and activities of militant organisations in Afghanistan, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Majeed Brigade, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIL-K) and Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM).
Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Terrorist Groups
Ajmal said terrorism remained one of Afghanistan’s major challenges and highlighted what Pakistan described as links between the Afghan Taliban authorities and militant organisations operating from Afghan territory.
He also expressed concern over the alleged involvement of external actors in supporting groups targeting Pakistan and other neighbouring countries.
The Pakistani representative said the Taliban authorities’ failure to publicly condemn these organisations raised serious questions about their alleged complicity and support.
Islamabad has repeatedly called on Kabul to prevent militant groups, particularly the TTP, from using Afghan territory to organise and launch attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan Cites More Than 4,700 Deaths in Three Years
Highlighting the human cost of terrorism, Ajmal said more than 4,700 Pakistanis had lost their lives during the previous three years in attacks that Pakistan attributed to terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.
He also referred to Pakistan’s military actions on March 16, saying Islamabad had targeted military installations and alleged terrorist support infrastructure, including drone and ammunition storage facilities used by the TTP.
Ajmal maintained that Pakistan could not remain passive in the face of continued attacks against its citizens and national security.
Islamabad Reaffirms Right to Self-Defence
The Pakistani diplomat reaffirmed that the country would exercise its right to self-defence whenever necessary and in accordance with international law.
He urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to fulfil their international commitments and ensure their territory was not used for activities threatening neighbouring countries.
Ajmal also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan that maintains constructive relations with its neighbours.
Pakistan Calls for an End to Restrictions on Afghan Women
Apart from security concerns, Pakistan also raised the issue of restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan.
Ajmal called on the Taliban authorities to restore fundamental freedoms and protect the basic rights and dignity of Afghan women and girls.
He argued that restrictions on their freedoms were inconsistent with international commitments and the fundamental principles of Islam.
He also referred to the Islamabad Declaration adopted during the ninth Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Women, hosted by Pakistan in July 2026. The declaration expressed concern over restrictions imposed on Afghan women and girls.
Pakistan Seeks International Support for Afghan Refugees
Ajmal also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding humanitarian contribution, noting that the country had hosted millions of Afghan refugees over several decades.
He said Pakistan continued to facilitate vulnerable Afghans within its available resources but stressed that the international community should share responsibility for addressing the refugee situation.
Pakistan called for greater international cooperation to support vulnerable Afghan refugees and promote stability in the neighbouring country.
Regional Security Remains a Major Concern
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained over allegations of militant sanctuaries, cross-border attacks and security threats.
Islamabad has repeatedly demanded verifiable action against groups it accuses of using Afghan territory to target Pakistan.
The latest statement at the United Nations reflects Pakistan’s continued diplomatic pressure on the Afghan Taliban over counterterrorism cooperation, women’s rights and regional stability.
