At UN, Pakistan flags terror sanctuaries in Afghanistan

Pakistan’s envoy to the United Nations has reiterated Islamabad’s concern about militant groups operating from Afghan territory, stressing that Afghanistan must not be used to plan or launch attacks against neighboring states.

Speaking after the UN Security Council unanimously renewed the mandate of the monitoring team linked to the 1988 Taliban sanctions regime, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said multiple groups remain active, including the TTP, BLA and associated factions, as well as Daesh-K and Al Qaeda.

Pakistan backed the resolution and described the renewal as necessary, while also welcoming efforts that helped secure consensus among Council members. The envoy said the vote should serve as a clear signal that Afghan soil should not become a base for threats against any country.

The statement also emphasized preventing terrorist groups from benefiting from ransom or political concessions, urged Taliban authorities to act decisively against militants, and expressed hope that monitoring and reporting would continue in line with the mandate.